2 year old aggression

[dabbitydibbity]

My 2 year old has recently started hitting out at other Children when they take his toys or upset him. He often does it when other children come near family members. I assume this is a protective thing but I'm not sure how to handle it. Today I found out that he grabbed his key worker's cheek in nursery and wouldn't let go. It was for seemingly no reason as they were just reading a story. I was absolutely mortified.
Does anyone know how I can stop or at least minimise this kind of behaviour? Is it just a normal phase for a two year old? We have tried time outs but I don't really think he understands and connects this to the behaviour.

I would say it's normal, par for the course with 2 year olds. Sometimes our local toddler group resembles bloody fight club. I think at this age removal and distraction are the main options. My dd is almost 2 and is just starting to try pushing/shoving, mainly against ds (3.5 years). I get down to her level and say 'No, we don't push', if she does it again I move her away and she has to sit with me for a bit. I try and distract her too.