Merseyside Police detectives are issuing a CCTV image of a man we wish to speak to in connection with a racially aggravated public order offence on a bus in Bootle in July.

At around 9.50pm on Saturday, 29 July, the teenage female victim was subjected to racial abuse by an unknown male offender on a 53 Stagecoach bus in the Bootle area. The victim’s mother was also spat at during the incident.

The man pictured is described as white, 35-40 years of age, of a thin build and 6ft, he had short shaved dark hair. He was wearing a green and black striped jumper with horizontal stripes, black tracksuit bottoms and a small black rucksack. He spoke with a strong Liverpool accent.

Detective Inspector Robbie Moss said: "This incident left both a young victim and her mother extremely distressed, through being verbally abused and spat at. We are keen to speak to the man pictured to help us with enquiries.

"I am sure the local community would agree that this type of behaviour is shocking and has no place on Merseyside. I would like to reassure the public that we will do everything possible to identify those responsible.

"Information from the public is vital to aid our investigations and every piece of information is looked into so please come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (0151) 7773035 quoting incident number 0517191375, or call 101. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and for free on 0800 555 111 or via their online form: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-in...rmation-online.