Police release CCTV picture of man after race hate incident in Liverpool

Detectives have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with an assault at a bar in Woolton in case he has information that could help the investigation.

Officers are investigating an incident at Cello's Wine Bar on Allerton Road at around 11.50pm on Saturday, 15 September 2012 in which a man was hit by a beer bottle leaving him needing treatment for facial injuries. It is believed that the offender then shouted racial abuse at the victim, who is a man in his 50s.

The offender is described as a white man, around 6ft to 6ft 2in tall, in his mid-twenties of slim build with short dark hair.

Detectives from the Force's specialist Sigma unit, which investigates hate crime, are appealing for witnesses and in particular would like to speak to the man in the CCTV footage, or anyone who recognises him, in case he can help the investigation.

DC Steve Quick said: "This was a nasty assault on a man in a bar. Merseyside Police is committed to tackling behaviour of this nature and bringing offenders to justice.

"There had been a match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland FC earlier on in the day and the bar would have been very busy so I appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, or recognises the man in the CCTV, to call us with any information that could help the investigation."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 5170 or 0151 777 5153. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.