Child hit in face in Perth shopping center

Police have arrested a woman wanted for questioning in connection with a shocking incident in which a young child was punched in the face by a stranger at a Perth shopping centre.

In the incident, which was captured on CCTV, the suspect allegedly assaulted a two-year-old girl, causing her facial injuries.

A mother and her daughter were standing outside the door of the Park Center in Victoria Park about 1.25pm ​​on Tuesday when an intruder approached and lunged at them.

Witnesses said they didn’t see what happened but rushed to help after the mother screamed.

Detectives took 21-year-old Pamil-Ray Jetta into custody.

The woman in the footage is described as olive-skinned, 170cm tall, with a strong build and a shaved head.

WA Premier Roger Cook said he was glad police had made an arrest.

“It must have been incredibly traumatic for the mother and potentially very seriously traumatizing for the child,” he said.