Woman followed down an alley on night out and punched in the face

A woman was punched in the face after being followed down an alleyway in the early hours of the morning.

A CCTV appeal has been launched after a woman in her 20s was followed and punched in the face in the early hours of Sunday, 26 May. At around 12.30am on Sunday, 26 May, the victim was sat outside Paddy McBrides bar on Derby Road in Huyton when a man approached her and her friends and become aggressive towards her.

She walked away from the table and as she walked down a side alleyway to the bar, the man reportedly punched her in the face and caused severe injuries. He then ran to a car, parked behind the bar, and drove off.

READ MORE: Live updates as 14-year-old missing after swimming in River Mersey

READ MORE: These are the faces of 50 Merseyside criminals who were jailed during June

An investigation is now underway and CCTV and witness enquiries are being carried out. Merseyside Police has issued CCTV images of a man officers believe could have information which is vital to the investigation.

Detective Constable Isaac Pye said: “This was a very nasty assault which left a woman with facial injuries. We believe the man responsible had previously approached the group as they made their way through bars in Huyton town centre prior to the assault taking place.

“We have issued CCTV images of a man we would like to speak to as we believe he could assist with our enquiries.

“I would ask the man himself, anyone who recognises him or anyone who can assist with our enquiries to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 24000472791.

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here