A TEENAGER tried to shield a toddler during an alleged attack by a man who stormed into a Hampshire home in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

Sixteen-year-old Jamie Paddey suffered a broken finger and was punched in the mouth while other children were allegedly pushed to the ground and kicked.

Jamie was spending the evening with friends at the house in Bursledon when the man broke through the front door, saying he was looking for someone.

The teenager then tried to shelter his friend Melissa Henry and her two-year-old brother Mason by lying on top of them both.

Praised Today, Jamie's mum praised her son for trying to protect Mason and Melissa, aged 14.

The incident took place in Boundary Road at about 7pm on Wednesday.

Jamie said that when he confronted the intruder and denied he was the person the man was looking for, the man punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground, and started kicking him.

Speaking to the Daily Echo yesterday, Jamie's mum Sarah said: "This was a terrifying attack on children by a man who had broken into the house they were in.

Badly hurt' "My son has been badly hurt in this attack and has had his finger broken and been punched in the mouth. He's really bruised.

"He also tried to protect some of the other youngsters in the house to stop the man hurting them, which we are really proud of him for, but the man just kicked Jamie in the back instead.

"I just hope the police treat this incident seriously, because next time who knows what could happen."

Another witness, who asked not to be named, added: "It was a hideous thing for these children to go through.

"It's left a lot of them very scared."

Meanwhile a spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that a 31-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of assault at a nearby address.

The man is currently in custody, assisting police with their enquiries.