Toronto police believe a man wanted in connection with the violent assault of a woman and her infant son in Scarborough is staying somewhere in the area.

The incident happened late last Monday night at a home near Neilson Road and Sheppard Avenue East.

According to police, the woman and her baby were asleep when a man walked into the home and entered the bedroom at around 11:30 p.m.

An argument broke out between the woman and the man. Police say she begged him to leave as she clutched her son.

The woman, in her 20s, told police the man became angry, grabbed her by the throat and started punching her repeatedly. He also punched the child on the side of the head, causing swelling and bruising, police said.

The attack was interrupted when another person entered the room.

At that point, the suspect threatened to kill the woman and then fled, police said.

In a release issued last week, police identified 23-year-old Richard Russell as a suspect.

He is described as black with a dark complexion, standing around six-foot-one with a slim build. He has a goatee and was last seen wearing light-coloured jeans, a black sweater and black shoes.

Police believe he is currently staying somewhere in the Malvern area. He should be considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached if spotted, police cautioned.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators at 416-808-4200 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).