A YOUNG mum claims her three-year-old son was pushed into the road when police were involved in a "violent" struggle to arrest a man.

Vicky Mulligan, of Birkleigh Walk, Breightmet, says she was an innocent passerby who got caught up in a the fracas when a wanted man tried to escape from officers.

She claims her son Jordan was barged over and hit his head on the floor as police ran to catch the man.

Miss Mulligan said only the toddler's thick winter clothes and hat saved him from serious injury.

The 19-year-old mother said: "We were about 10 yards away when they began searching this man. All of a sudden he burst free and tried to run.

"They just ran to grab him. I was holding Jordan's hand when he was flung on the floor. He went backwards and hit his head near the kerb.

"But I'm most angry about what happened next. The police didn't seem interested in what had happened to Jordan, even though he was crying. I was hysterical."

However Miss Mulligan praised two other officers who came around to her house later to investigate her complaint. The two policemen also talked to Jordan who was still upset about witnessing what Miss Mulligan said the police had described as a "violent arrest".

Jordan was also given a medical examination by a police doctor and received a clean bill of health.

But Miss Mulligan is still worried her son is having nightmares about the incident.

Chief Inspector Dave Ryder said an investigation had been launched into Miss Mulligan's allegations.

He said: "Miss Mulligan was seen by a supervisor officer. As a result of her concerns we will be looking into the matter and holding a thorough investigation."

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