A family are angry with the police after they did not turn up when a man allegedly punched their baby daughter.

Lee Jackson was visiting his 16-month-old daughter Kiah-Grace in Fort Pitt Street, Chatham, when he scooped her up in his arms.

Then, the 36-year-old claims, a man approached him, blaming him for a scratch on his car.

Mr Jackson said: “He got hold of me by the throat and he went to swing for me but missed and punched my 16-month-old daughter in the face.

“She was screaming and screaming.

“I was really angry. I wanted to kill him but I don’t want to get done for assault.

“I called the police but they did not turn up.”

Mother Lisa Farley, 30, said: “It was a totally unprovoked attack.

“Kiah-Grace won’t go to anyone now. She used to love being held by other people; now she’s become very clingy.

"I called the police but they did not turn up" - Lee Jackson

“Now the man who attacked her chases me up the road with a hood on. It’s really intimidating.”

“I’m really annoyed at the police too. They came because two women were arguing in our street but won’t come when my daughter gets punched in the face.”

Police confirmed they received a report of an assault in Fort Pitt Street, Chatham, at 4.35pm on Saturday, August 25.

Spokesman Vicki Foster said: “During the call the suspect was reported to have driven away from the scene and as there was no immediate threat, the victim was spoken to and an appointment was made for officers to attend on the evening of August 28.

"On that date officers were unable to attend the appointment.

"This was due to responding to priority calls.

“The woman was spoken to and requested an officer call her on August 29.

"An officer called on this date to progress the report. Inquiries are ongoing.”