A MUM has been arrested after she launched an attack on her two-year-old child outside a Hampshire supermarket.

Upset shoppers called police after witnessing the 25-yearold Southampton woman kick and beat the little girl near the cashpoint outside Asda supermarket in Totton.

Security guards followed the woman who was alone with the toddler before police arrived.

Officers arrested her on suspicion of assault by beating as well as the assault, ill-treatment or neglect of a young person to cause unnecessary suffering or injury.

The child was taken to Southampton General Hospital for a check up.

There was an abrasion on her back, which was a new wound, a Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said.

One witness who contacted the Daily Echo, who did not want to be named, said: “People were just staring, gob-smacked.

“They couldn’t believe what had happened. A lot of people called the police. It isn’t something you expect to see at Asda.

“I just feel so sorry for the little girl.”

Police were called to the store just after 4pm on Tuesday.

A spokeswoman said: “We had numerous calls from members of the public saying a child outside Asda was being kicked and beaten by a woman.

“The woman went off with the child but security followed and found her.”

The mother was arrested just after 5.10pm and taken to Lyndhurst police station for questioning.

She was released on bail to return on December 11.

The toddler was taken into police protective custody and is now in the care of social services.