DETECTIVES have released CCTV stills of a man wanted in connection with a hate crime incident at a convenience store in Birkenhead.

On the morning of Saturday, January 18, a man entered The Easy Shop in Hoylake Road.

A staff member noticed that he was attempting to steal some items and challenged him.

The man made racist remarks towards the employee and pushed him out of the way and leaving the store. The staff member was uninjured but left shaken by the ordeal.

Detectives believe the man pictured may be able to help them with their enquiries and would urge him or anyone who recognises him to contact the police.

Detective Constable Polly O'Brien said: "We are dedicated to stamping out racism and any other type of hate crime on Merseyside.

"Specialist officers from our hate crime investigation team, SIGMA, are investigating this incident.

"I'm sure local residents would agree, this kind of behaviour is clearly unacceptable and I would appeal to anyone with any information about this incident, or anyone who recognises the man pictured, to get in contact so we can take positive action."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Wirral SIGMA Hate Crime Unit on 0151 777 2884, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.