Detectives have issued a CCTV image of a man who could assist with their enquiries following a racially aggravated assault on the 38a bus in Hoylake.
It was reported at around 8.20pm on Tuesday 13 February, a man was travelling on the 38a Stagecoach bus through Hoylake when an older man approached him and shouted racist abuse. The attacker then spat on him and bit his wrist and finger.
The offender was told to get off the vehicle by the bus driver near Kings Gap in Hoylake.
The victim, a man in his 30s, was left very distressed.
Extensive CCTV and witness enquiries have been conducted and detectives have issued CCTV image of a man they believe could assist in their investigation.
Detective Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said: “This was an unprovoked racist assault, and to be attacked in such a manner is despicable.
“We are determined to find the man responsible, and please be rest-assured that we thoroughly investigate reports of those targeted through hate crime.
“We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened on 38a bus who we have not already spoken to the police, or who has CCTV footage of the incident to assist in the investigation.
“I am also appealing to the man featured in the image, or anyone who recognises him to come forward. We believe he may hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.”
Merseyside Police is committed to tackling hate crime across our communities. We would encourage all victims of hate crime to come forward as we have officers and staff dedicated to protecting victims who will make sure you are supported at every step as sensitively as possible.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 24000171782.
You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If, for any reason, you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK to run a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625 or www.stophateuk.org. You can also download the Stop Hate UK reporting app on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Across Merseyside, we also have a number of third party reporting centres including fire stations, citizens advice bureaus and hospitals. A list of locations can be viewed here: merseyside-third-party-hate-crime-reporting-centres.pdf
