WASHINGTON (AFP) - A young boy visiting the US capital on Thursday caused a commotion at the White House when he squeezed through the fence surrounding the presidential mansion.

Secret Service Spokesman Edwin Donovan made light of the security breach, however, which occurred at about 8.10pm (0010 GMT; 8.10am Friday Singapore time).

"We were going to wait until he learned to talk to question him, but in lieu of that he got a timeout and was sent on way with parents," said Secret Service Spokesman Edwin Donovan.