Ann Perugia, 35, is charged with aggravated child abuse and is accused of breaking her son's 10-year-old jaw because he wouldn’t stop playing the game Fortnite

A mother from Florida has been accused of punching her 10-year-old son in the face and dislocating his jaw after he refused to stop playing Fortnite and take a shower.

Ann Perugia, 35, allegedly argued with her son when he refused to get washed, before hitting him, South Daytona police say.

Perugia had collected her son from school that day and let him play the popular game online until 7pm with his friends.

But when she checked to see that he had got ready for bed, she found him still playing the game, and he hadn't showered.

Police say the pair argued, and Perugia lost her temper because of the boy's 'attitude'.

The boy alleged to police that when he walked into the bathroom, Perugia punched him in the jaw with a closed fist, the Miami Herald reports.

He then called his dad, Brian Butler, to come and collect him.

The 10-year-old boy told police that his mother was mad that he disobeyed her by playing Fortnite instead of taking a shower (file photo)

The police report states the child’s jaw was dislocated, and he also had scratches on his body, according to WFLA.

Perugia has denied the claims, and told police a different version of events.

She claiming her son went into a strop as he reluctantly went into the bathroom.

When she asked him about his sudden change in attitude, she says he replied, 'I hate you and you don't do anything for me!'

After leaving him to himself, a few minutes later she noticed he was packing a bag and speaking to his dad on the phone.

She says the boy threw rocks at her car as she waited to be collected by his father.

When Butler arrived, the boy reportedly told him that his mother punched him.

Police got involved after the boy's aunt went to a police station to make a report.

Perugia has since been arrested and is being held without bond. She is charged with aggravated child abuse with physical injury.

Butler does not have full custody, and the boy is staying with his aunt, according to WFLA.