Baby P stepfather in 'napalm' attack inside Yorkshire jail

Steven Barker, who is serving a life sentence for his part in the infant's death, was reported to have been scalded by a burning mixture of sugar and boiling water hurled by another prisoner.

The Ministry of Justice said later that sugar had not been used in the attack.

Barker, 6ft 4in and 18 stone, was left screaming in pain after suffering burns to his face and arm in the attack at high security Wakefield Prison, West Yorkshire, which could leave him scarred for life.

Boiling water and sugar is known in prison circles as "napalm". The improvised weapon sticks to the skin and intensifies burns, one of the principal effects of jelly-like napalm bombs.

Islamic terrorist Dhiren Barot, who plotted to detonate a series of dirty bombs in the UK, was moved from Frankland prison, Durham, when he was badly burned by another prisoner in a boiling water attack in 2008.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman confirmed a prisoner was treated for wounds sustained in Wakefield Prison.

A source told The Sun newspaper today: "To say Barker is disliked is an understatement - he is reviled. The other inmates all hate him with a passion.

"When Barker came here everyone knew what he had done to Baby P. Your card is marked if you have a crime against your name concerning kids.

"After the attack everyone was in good spirits, knowing someone had hurt Barker. The guy who did it will be getting applauded everywhere he goes now."

A Prison Service spokesman said: "A prisoner at HMP Wakefield was assaulted by another.

"Staff intervened quickly and the prisoner received treatment. Police have been informed."

The NSPCC declined to comment on the attack.

But the "Justice for Baby P" Facebook group, on which the charity has posted messages, urged people to break the cycle of violence connected to the child.

A message posted by the site administrators said violence was "a further stain on the memory of a baby who died by violent, horrific means", and added: "Let's channel the passion and anger into ACTION for neglected and abused kids."

Barker was jailed at the Old Bailey in May last year for contributing to the 50 injuries Peter suffered in his short life.

The tot had been horrifically abused in the house his mother Tracey Connelly shared with Barker in Tottenham, north London.

Connelly is serving a minimum of five years for causing or allowing Peter's death. Barker's brother Jason Owen, who was a lodger in the council house, was also jailed.

Last month Barker lost his appeal against a further conviction for raping a girl of two.