Footage shared widely on social media shows the Coldstream Guardmans marching in the ground of the Tower of London. The soldier can be heard bellowing a warning for people to move out of the way before colliding with the child who was knocked to the ground. The soldier appears to step on the child's foot before he continues to march away.

       In the video circulating on social media, a cry can be heard before the guard collides with the child.

       A spokesperson from the Tower of London said: "We are aware of this incident and were sorry to see this.

       "The guard at the Tower do take care to warn the public when they're moving, and this was an unfortunate accident.

       "Our staff and the soldier checked in on the family afterwards, and were reassured that all was well."

       An Army spokesperson said: "We are aware of an incident at the Tower of London earlier today during a routine patrol."

       They added that the Guardsmen on duty had "warned members of the public that a patrol was approaching, but the child, unfortunately, ran out in front of the soldier unexpectedly".

       The spokesperson added: "The soldier tried to step over the child and continued on his duty.

       "Following the incident, the soldier checked on the child and was reassured that all was well."

       Royal reporter Omid Scobie took to Twitter after the incident to question whether the soldier had been right not to avoid the child.

       He explained that guards divisions within the British army have a ceremonial role of providing protection for royal palaces.

       Mr Scobie added that guardsmen will often refuse to move out of the way of tourists who obstruct their route.

       This approach has led to similar incidents involving visitors to royal palaces in the past.

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       Mr Scobie wrote: "The Queen’s Guard are responsible for protecting royal residences and have a pretty no-nonsense approach when tourists get in the way (which happens often).

       "However, this particular non-threatening incident seems a little unnecessary.

       "Was it *that* important to stay in formation?"