POLICE investigating an incident in which a toddler was apparently slapped on the face in a busy Southampton shopping street have spoken to a woman in connection with their inquiry.

As reported by the Daily Echo, officers have appealed for witnesses to the alleged assault on the youngster, which happened in Shirley High Street, to come forward.

Several members of the public saw the slapping, with many passers-by believed to have confronted the woman about her actions.

The little boy, thought to be around two years old, was said to have been whacked across the side of his head as the woman, thought to be his mother, screamed abuse at him.

One upset woman who saw the incident even called an ambulance to the scene, close to the New Look store, before the paramedic crew in turn alerted police.

Police said last night they have spoken to a woman in connection with the alleged assault, which happened at around 7.45pm on Friday.

But a spokesman said investigations are continuing and officers still want to hear from anyone who saw the incident but has not yet spoken to police.

Anyone with information should call Shirley police station on 101.