CCTV appeal following report of racially aggravated assault in Walton

We have issued a CCTV image of a man who could have information following a reported racially aggravated assault in Walton.

At around 2.45pm on Wednesday 28 August, we received a report that a man had entered a shop on Utting Avenue and attempted to take a crate of beer without paying.

When challenged by a female staff member, he reportedly shouted racist abuse and punched her in the chest.

A report was made to police and officers attended the scene, but the suspect had fled the area.

Since the incident, enquiries have been ongoing and we are now issuing a CCTV image of a man who we believe could have information.

Detective Inspector Jemma Berry said: “This was a disgusting attack on a woman who was just trying to do her job.

“To assault and racially abuse someone is abhorrent and simply won’t be tolerated in our communities.

“As part of our ongoing enquiries, we want to find the man pictured because we believe he could have information.

“I am appealing to the man featured in this image, or anyone who recognises him to please contact us. We believe he could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.”

If you have any information, you can call 101 or contact us @MerpolCC on X, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, quoting reference 24000745123, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.