DETECTIVES have released CCTV footage after a teenager was assaulted in a homophobic attack in Birkenhead.

The 19-year-old man was walking along Borough Road, close to the junction with Victoria Road at around 3am on June 29 when two men on bikes shouted homophobic comments at him.

One of the offenders then approached the victim and assaulted him.

An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is underway and detectives from Wirral's specialist SIGMA hate crime team have released the CCTV footage of two people they would like to speak to.

They believe the men pictured may be able to help with their enquiries and are urging them or anyone who recognises them to contact police.

Detective Constable Tony Jones, said: "Merseyside Police is committed to tackling all forms of hate crime and specialist officers are investigating this incident."

Det Con Jones added: ”I am sure the local community would agree that this kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and I would appeal to anyone with information about this incident, or anyone who recognised the two men pictured, to call police.

”The information you provide will be thoroughly investigated and could help us identify the people responsible.”

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