Images released of woman wanted over toddler assault at Pizza Hut

Police have released CCTV images of a woman wanted in connection with the assault of a toddler at a Pizza Hut restaurant.

A two-year-old girl was shaken and dragged along the ground by a woman believed to be her mother as diners looked on at the Falkirk eatery.

Police officers were called to the scene by several customers in the restaurant who witnessed the incident and were said to have found it "very distressing".

The incident happened on Friday, February 6, in Pizza Hut at the Central Retail Park.

Forth Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward and has released two images from CCTV footage.



The girl, who police believe is around two years old, was assaulted when she was leaving the restaurant.

Witnesses said she was attached to reins and appeared to be upset. She was was dragged by the reins towards the exit by the woman.

The woman then shook her before setting her down and dragging her, once again by the reins, out of the restaurant.

They were accompanied by a man who is believed to be the girl's father. He did not intervene in the assault.

They left the restaurant and initially walked in the direction of Grahams Road but were last sighted at the bus stop opposite Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

The girl is described as a white toddler with blonde hair. She was wearing a pink jacket and was pushing a toy pram.

The woman is described as white and in her thirties with a heavy build and red hair. She was wearing a dark jacket and blue jeans.

The man accompanying them is described as white and also in his 30s. He is around 5ft 9in with a slim build and short dark hair.

He was wearing a white T-shirt and dark tracksuit bottoms.

At the time of the assault, Police sergeant David Ferguson said: "This was very distressing incident, which was very upsetting for members of the public to witness.

"We are extremely concerned about the welfare of the young girl who was assaulted and we wish to trace her as a matter of urgency.

"We are working with partners to establish her identity. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or recognises the family's description, is asked to come forward immediately."

Inspector Billy Drummond added: "I’d like to thank the numerous witnesses that have already come forward and urge anyone who recognises the woman in the CCTV images to contact police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or phone anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

http://news.stv.tv/stirling-central/312597-cctv-images-of-woman-wanted-over-toddler-assault-at-falkirk-pizza-hut/

Any of our people who live in Scotland have friends in Falkirk?

I saw this on facebook a few weeks ago. ABsolutely appalling! What a bully!

Wish I'd been there. I may have slapped her a few times

So hope she is caught, and the baby is placed with genuinely caring people.