CCTV appeal following hate crime in Clayton Square, Liverpool

Detectives investigating a hate crime in Liverpool City Centre last month are issuing CCTV images of men they believe may have information that could assist their enquiries.

At around 4.45pm on Monday 18 October we received a report that a man had been assaulted on Cases Street, near Clayton Square, outside Cooper’s Pub.

It was reported that three males approached the victim and directed racist slurs towards him.

The males were reported to have followed the victim into Clayton Square and hit him several times across the head, while using further racist language.

Following the incident, the males were reported to have made off on foot in the direction of Central Station.

The victim was left with injuries which required hospital treatment and he was left extremely shaken by the incident.

CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible, and detectives are now issuing images to help identify men they would like to speak to about the incident.

Detective Inspector Steve O’Neill said: “It is appalling that, in 2021 someone could be subject to such vile racist abuse.

“Hate will not be tolerated in any form by Merseyside Police and we are working to find those responsible for this incident and bring them to justice.

“I am appealing to anyone featured in these images, or anyone who recognises them, to come forward. We believe they could hold vital information to our continuing enquiries.

“Similarly, if you were in Clayton Square at the time of the incident and saw anything, then please let us know.

“You can contact us directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers - however you choose to let us know, please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre with reference 21000724582. You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.

If you wish to report a hate crime, but don’t want to call the police in the first instance, across Merseyside, there are a number of third-party reporting centres available. These include the charity Stop Hate UK who can be contacted on 0800 138 1625. Support networks such as the Anthony Walker Foundation also provide emotional support, practical assistance, and information to anyone requesting help.