Police are investigating after a woman reportedly slapped a toddler across the face on a busy Hampshire street.

Officers say that several people have come forward to report the assault on the boy, which happened on Shirley High Street.

Witnesses have told the police that the woman was shouting at the toddler before hitting him across the face – causing him to cry out in pain.

It's understood that several members of the public remonstrated with the woman following the incident at around 7.45pm on Friday.

Now police are appealing for any witnesses that have not yet spoken to them to come forward.

The woman is described as white, aged in her twenties, with blonde hair in a ponytail and was wearing a camel coloured Parka-style jacket.

The boy had darker hair and was wearing a duffle coat and wellington boots.

Anyone with information should call Shirley Police Station on 101.