Police investigating flood victim bashing

A home and vehicles are submerged by flood water in the suburb of Rocklea. Photo / Getty Images

Queensland police are investigating the callous bashing of a Toowoomba boy who has been in the limelight for surviving January's devastating flash flood that killed his brother and mother.

A group of youths attacked Blake Rice, 10, with sticks, dislocating his collarbone, at a Toowoomba skate park one weekend about a fortnight ago.

Lifeline Darling Downs chief executive Derek Tuffield says Blake's father John Tyson told him up to six youths assaulted Blake.

"I met with Blake and his father on Tuesday at a function when the prime minister was in Toowoomba," Mr Tuffield told AAP.

"He told me up to six youths attacked him. Blake's arm is in a sling because his collarbone got popped on the righthand side (during the attack).

"I believe he was targeted because after the attack there was a Facebook site (put up after the bashing) gloating,'we just attacked Blake'."

He said the family has also been receiving prank calls.

The attacks are believed to be about the ongoing media attention Blake has received for surviving the January 10 flash flood after his brother Jordan, 13, who was afraid of water, selflessly insisted a rescuer take his brother first.

As Blake was plucked to safety, Jordan died alongside his mother Donna Rice, 43, as their car was swept away.

A Queensland police spokesman told AAP police were investigating the assault which was brought to their attention on March 27.

Mr Tuffield said the assault was the last straw and Blake and his father were planning to leave Toowoomba.

"We're all disgusted by what's taken place for Blake," he said.

"This family has been through enough.

"Blake has lost his mum, he's lost his brother, it has been a traumatic time for this region - we don't need this type of behaviour and ideally the community would like to see the culprits caught."

Premier Anna Bligh has also expressed her disgust, calling it a callous attack.

"This attack is the very worst in behaviour," Ms Bligh said.

She said Blake has been through too much already.

"By all reports this was a cowardly assault by a group ganging up on a smaller boy," she said.

"What makes it worse is that Blake was attacked at this low point in his life simply because he has attracted media attention.

"That is incredibly callous, cruel and senseless."

As well as meeting Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Blake also met Prince William during his tour last month.

- AAP