PLAISTOW - Authorities are looking for a Plaistow mother and her boyfriend after the woman's 3-year-old son suffered life-threatening head injuries that have left him visually impaired, as well as serious burns and bruises over much of his body, police said.

Jessica Linscott, 23, of 197 Main St., and Roland Dow, 27, of the same address, are facing charges after the young boy was brought to Exeter Hospital last Wednesday.

Police Lt. William Baldwin said police received a call from the hospital reporting that the boy was brought in with critical head injuries, burns on his arms and "bruises all over his body" and that the injuries appeared to have resulted from abuse.

Baldwin said Linscott and Dow took the boy to the hospital, which later rushed him to Children's Hospital at Dartmouth in Lebanon.

Detectives began investigating and met with the boy's mother at the hospital.

"They obviously saw the child and the extent of injuries to this child," Baldwin said.

Police issued arrest warrants Friday morning and executed a search warrant at their residence. Linscott was charged with six counts of endangering the welfare of a child and neglect, while Dow faces five counts. Police are also considering multiple first-degree assault charges, Baldwin said.

Baldwin said the injuries were "fresh" and are believed to have occurred over a period of two to three days.

While the boy's condition was improving Monday night, Baldwin said he will have a long road to recovery.

Police continued to search for the couple Monday night with assistance from the U.S. Marshal's office, Rockingham County Sheriff's Department and police in Kingston and Newton.

"At this point they're nowhere to be found. We've been to relatives homes that we know of and so forth. It's evident at this point somebody is trying to hide them. If you're hiding them you can be charged with aiding and abetting these two, knowing that there are arrest warrants out for these two," Baldwin said.

Baldwin said family members of Linscott have also contacted police to express concern for her safety with Dow.

Anyone with information is urged to call their local police department or 911.

jschreiber@newstote.com