Luke Batty stabbed and beaten to death with cricket bat by father in front of horrified children and parents

The father of the boy was later shot by police and later died in hospital

Luke Batty died at the scene in Melbourne, Australia, despite paramedics attempting to treat him for massive head injuries (FACEBOOK)

Australia has been left shocked by the death of an 11-year-old boy stabbed then beaten to death with a cricket bat in front of other children and their parents.

Luke Batty died at the scene in Melbourne, Australia, despite paramedics attempting to treat him for massive head injuries. The father of the boy was later shot by police and died in hospital.

Horrified parents and children watched as Greg Batty attacked his son last night during the cricket club training session at Tyabb, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

The Australian reported that Greg Batty had led a 'tragic' life with mental health issues. The boy's British mother, Rosie Batty, told the newspaper that Luke had trusted his father and she believed he was safe.

"What triggered this was a case of his dad having mental health issues," Ms Batty told Channel Nine.

"He was in a homelessness situation for many years, his life was failing, everything was becoming worse in his life, and Luke was the only bright light in his life.

"No one loved Luke more than his father. No one loved Luke more than me - we both loved him", she told the broadcaster.

According to reports police attempted to reason with Mr Batty after his attack on his son, before discharging pepper spray at him and shooting him once in the chest.

A police officer at the scene told Sky News the boy's injuries were "quite brutal" and described the scene as "horrific".