A mum was left horrified after a thug punched her newborn in the head – and then apologised, saying he thought she was a doll.
The shocking attack took place at a local branch of Tesco in Baguley, Greater Manchester while proud mum Amy Duckers visited the store with her daughter.
Baby Elsie, who was just five-days-old, was rushed to hospital after the incident, leaving 7-year-old sister Libby fearing that the punch had killed her new sibling.
Mum Amy told the Manchester Evening News: “I’m absolutely broken and torn apart.
“I can’t believe what me and my daughter had to see last night it was just so horrific. I never ever want anyone to have to go through that again.
“We all heard the punch land on my little baby. We didn’t react at first as we were just so shocked. Then I just screamed.
“He could easily have killed her.”
She continued: “We were mortified, my daughter was screaming thinking he had killed the baby.
“He then just apologised and said ‘sorry I thought it was a doll!”
The family alerted security at the supermarket and Elsie Rose was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital where she was monitored overnight before being allowed home. She is not thought to have sustained any serious injuries.
Amy added: “She was quite sickly and sleepy last night but at least she is home now.
“I just can not believe it happened and neither can anyone I tell. Strangers were even hugging me at the hospital when I told them about it.
“It has really put me off taking her out again though.”
Greater Manchester Police said a 63-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident.
A spokesman said: “A man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a baby.
“Police were called shortly before 6.45pm to a supermarket on Altrincham Road in Baguley on Monday to reports of a child having been hit.
“The baby girl was taken to hospital as a precaution and has since been discharged.
“A 63-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and is currently in custody being questioned by officers.”
