A BUS driver was punched in the face by a passenger who didn't have enough money to pay his fare.

Detectives in Wirral have released CCTV stills of a man who they say "may be able to assist" with their inquiries following the assault in Birkenhead.

The incident happened on Sunday, March 31, when a man boarded an Arriva tunnel bus at Queens Square in Liverpool.

He was short of his fare and had an argument with the driver before another passenger came up with the remaining cash.

At around 2.50am, the bus stopped in Birkenhead at Borough Road at its junction with Elmswood Road.

The man got off and as he did so he punched the driver in the face.

The driver received minor injuries and police say he has been left distressed by his ordeal.

Detective Constable Nick Moore said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a bus driver who was just trying to carry out his job.

"He has understandably been left shocked by this incident and I would urge anyone who has any information about it to get in contact."

Detectives are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who recognises the man pictured to get in touch by telephoning 0151 777 2264/65 or Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111.