A DISABLED teenager was the victim of a hate crime as he travelled on a bus in Birkenhead.

The incident happened on Monday, June 25 at around 5.10pm when the 18-year-old was verbally abused by another man who was sitting in front of him on the 401 Arriva bus.

Police say the man made “obscene remarks” about the victim’s disability, leaving him “very upset.”

The man got off the bus on Argyle Street. Now officers are appealing to anyone on the bus at the time of the incident who may have any information to come forward in case they have important information.

They are also asking to anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV images to contact them in case he has information that could help the investigation.

Detective Constable Tony Jones said: "Merseyside Police takes hate crime very seriously and we are appealing to anyone with any information in connection with the incident to contact us so we can take action against the offender.

"People who carry out hate crimes should be left in no doubt that their behaviour is totally unacceptable.

"Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime incidents and robust action will be taken to ensure offenders are arrested and prosecuted for their actions."

Anyone with any information should call the Wirral Sigma Hate Crime Unit on 0151 777 2268, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.