The victim was visibly distressed and in pain following the assault
A general view of Kirkby town centre(Image: Liverpool Echo)
An investigation is underway after an elderly man was attacked in Kirkby town centre. Just after 5.15pm on Wednesday, September 3, police received a report a group of males were in St Chads Parade when one youth approached an elderly man in aggressive manner and racially abused him.
The offender then punched the victim in the back. It was further reported that the victim was visibly distressed and was in pain following the assault.
Merseyside Police are keen to speak to the victim. The victim is described as Asian and in his 60s, around 5ft 8in tall, with black hair and balding at the back. He was wearing blue Adidas tracksuit bottoms and a dark jacket.
Police are also appealing for witnesses to come forward. Acting Inspector for Neighbourhood Policing in Kirkby, Alec Cartledge said: “This behaviour is not acceptable and deplorable, and will not be tolerated. It does not reflect the views of the community.
“Kirkby is a welcoming place, and no one should be subjected to such hostile behaviour and be free to live their life without fear or intimidation. There is no place for hate in our society.
“Foremost I would appeal to the victim to please contact us to ensure he is OK and we can take any necessary action.
“In addition, I would appeal for anyone who was in area at that time and witnessed the incident to come forward to help us with our enquiries.”
Acting Inspector Cartledge added: “We have a specialist team of officers who are dedicated to investigate any form of hate crime, and will actively look into all reports we receive and proactively investigate to bring offenders to justice.
“We will take the strongest possible action against those who have behaved in this unacceptable way.”
Anyone with information on the incident should contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook quoting reference 25000731244. You can also report information via the website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
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