A mother who claimed she was assaulted by security staff in Primark after being told to stop breastfeeding her daughter has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

Mother-of-four Caroline Starmer alleged that that she was feeding nine-month-old Paige behind a mannequin in the clothing retailer’s store in Leicester when the worker forced her to stop.

She claimed that after refusing to stop feeding Paige, who was alongside her twin sister Freya, the unnamed male security guard forcibly tore the child off her breast.

Caroline Starmer, who has been charged with intent to pervert the course of justice after claiming she was assaulted by a security guard in Primark, who told her to stop breastfeeding

Mrs Starmer said she chased after the man after he walked off with her baby before wrestling Paige out of his arms and reporting the incident to police.

However, today Leicestershire Police confirmed that a 28-year-old woman had been summoned to appear in court charged with intent to pervert the course of public justice.

A force spokesman added: 'It follows an allegation made in which a woman claimed that while in a store in Humberstone Gate, Leicester, on Monday 13 July, she was assaulted by a security guard.

'Caroline Starmer, of Leicester, is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 24 August.

'Criminal proceedings have now commenced and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.'

After Mrs Starmer made the claims, the clothing chain categorically denied the allegations, saying the security guards on duty that day, 'denied behaving in the alleged way'.

Today, Primark said they had noted the announcement by Leicestershire Police and that they had fully co-operated with officers, but added it was inappropriate to comment further.

Mrs Starmer claimed she was feeding Paige in the Leicester branch of Primark, pictured, behind a mannequin when a security guard snatched the baby

However, they added: 'We are pleased to have the opportunity however to confirm that Primark will continue to work hard to ensure that all of our customers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in our stores.

'This of course includes breastfeeding mothers, who remain welcome, as ever, at Primark.'

The alleged incident came to light after Mrs Starmer made a series of Facebook posts claiming she was asked to leave the store after breastfeeding in a 'quiet spot'.

The posts resulted in thousands of messages of support for the mother.

Speaking at the time, she said: I stood my ground and stated my rights, that I can legally feed where I want.

'Just for the security officer to physically remove my daughter from my breast and walk down the store with her, saying if I wanted my daughter, then I was to come and get her.

'Obviously, I went and retrieved my daughter as soon as my senses got the better of me.'