A man was attacked by a gang of thugs and left with a broken eye socket, fractured jaw, broken nose and shattered cheek bone as he walked with his niece in Birkenhead.

Police found the 26-year-old victim lying unconscious in Birkenhead town centre in the early hours of Sunday,  July 20.

The pair had been walking along Milton Pavement at around 12.30am when they were joined by a group of five men, who began talking to them.

An argument took place and the man was then punched to the ground, beaten and left unconsciousness.

The five attackers fled the scene.

The victim was taken by ambulance to hospital.  He has since been discharged with a broken eye socket, fractured jaw, broken nose and shattered cheek bone.

Detective Constable Chris O’Connor said: "We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time who may have seen something to contact us.

"We are particularly keen to speak to two women who alerted the officers to the assault.”

A full investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 2264 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.