A shocking scene where a toddler was dragged by his hair and slapped in the face has set alarm bells ringing in Leominster.
Police received an urgent call from a member of the public who witnessed an incident near Leominster Leisure Centre when a woman, believed to be the child’s mother or guardian, seized hold of a young boy who was said to be “very distressed” by the assault.
A police spokesman pointed out that the woman, described as white and aged around 20 years old, was seen to “take hold of a young boy” who was thought to be aged around three years old.
The spokesman continued: “The child was said to be very distressed after being lifted off the ground by his hair and slapped in the face during an assault near the leisure centre at about 4.20pm last Wednesday.”
Police officers have talked to leisure centre staff and others in the area at that time who could have information about the incident, and they are keen to hear from anyone else who can help with their enquiries.
The woman involved in the assault was confronted by a member of the public, but she was reported to have walked away with the child.
The assault was then reported to the police.
Said PC Richard Poyner from Leominster Police: “This incident happened in the street, and the child’s distress gave enough concern for a member of the public to confront the woman and ask what was going on, before reporting it to the police.”
He continued: “We are keen to identify the woman and the child so we can determine what happened and whether there are any concerns over the child’s welfare.
“Clearly this was quite an unusual incident and we would urge anyone with information to come forward, as the safety of the child has to be our first priority.”
The woman was described as being around 20 years old with short brown hair and blonde highlights.
She was said to be wearing a white top with distinctive black horizontal strips and dark trousers.
She was also pushing a grey hooded pushchair at the time.
The witness believed the child was around three years old.
- Anyone with any information can contact PC Richard Poyner at Leominster Police Station on 08457 444888, or they can pass information to the police anonymously via the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.
