A heavily-pregnant mother was attacked on her doorstep as she held her one-year-old child in her arms in a case of mistaken identity.

The eight-and-a-half months pregnant woman, 33, was punched in the face after answering her door to three men, causing her to bleed over her toddler.

The men, all white and aged in their 30s, were looking for a man who had previously lived at the property, claiming he owed them money.

But despite the woman explaining she had no link to the man, she was still punched in the face, leaving her badly bruised and bleeding from her nose.

Detectives have condemned the ''despicable and cowardly'' attack on the mother in Agincourt Road, Portsmouth, on February 6.

Detective Constable Peter Bugden said: ''It would have been obvious to the men she was expecting and also obvious she had a young child in her arms. We are keen to find the three men as soon as possible, especially the attacker.''

The attacker is described as stocky with strawberry blond hair. He wore a beige pullover with duffle buttons and had a southern accent. Anyone with information is asked to call Fratton CID on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.