Woman assaulted after child snatched at station

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman had her child snatched from her and was punched in the face at Woburn railway station yesterday afternoon.

Police said the woman was sitting at the station when her child snatched and she was repeatedly punched in the face by an unknown assailant.

Detective Sergeant Mike Sears said the man was apprehended by onlookers, and will appear in the Lower Hutt District Court today.

Mr Sears said the 33-year-old victim was sitting at the station with her 11-month-old child about 3pm waiting for a train.

The man, 27, snatched the child from the mother and punched her numerous times about the face.

Witnesses intervened and restrained the man as he tried to flee.

She received moderate facial injuries. Her baby was unharmed.

Mr Sears said the victim and her family were traumatised.

"This is a particularly sinister and unprovoked attack."

Any witnesses are asked to contact the Lower Hutt police.

- NZPA