Charlotte Foster
Caring

Stranger wanted after assaulting child in mother's arms

Police are searching for a woman who callously attacked a toddler who was being carried by her mother through a busy shopping centre in Western Australia.

The shocking act unfolded in East Victoria Park shopping centre, in south-eastern Perth, with CCTV capturing the distressing moment. 

In the security footage, a mother can be seen holding her two-year-old daughter near the entrance of the shopping centre, who are then approached by the woman who lunges at the child before fleeing. 

Staff working in the surrounding shops say it all happened incredibly quickly, one only hearing a scream from the mother, as nearby shoppers rushed to help.

The little girl has been left with facial injuries, as well as the mother and daughter being left shaken and scared by the incident.

Police said the child sustained "facial injuries", adding, "A female approached a mother who was holding her child, before assaulting the child and leaving the area.”

“The female is not known to the mother and child.”

The woman behind the attack has not been found, as police have called on the public for information. 

The attacker is described as having a medium build and a shaved head, and was wearing a pink singlet and grey shorts.

Police are asking anyone who recognises the woman or who witnessed anything in the area at the time to come forward, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Editor's note: On Wednesday morning, Western Australian police said they want to speak to 21-year-old Pamila-Raye Jetta over the attack, and appealed for public help in finding her.

"Jetta is described as female, olive skin, 170cm tall, heavy build, shaved head and was last seen wearing green coloured shorts with white stripes, pink coloured singlet and blue trainers," police said.

"Jetta has also recently been observed wearing a fluorescent pink wig."

Image credits: Nine News

Tags:
caring, toddler, assault