Three schoolboys have been jailed for a racist attack on a Norris Green shop worker.
Thirkkumaran Siththampalam was set upon by the trio outside an off license in the Broadway area during the early hours of December 28 last year.
The 38-year-old suffered significant injuries to his upper body and head in the attack, for which the three teenagers were senteinced at Liverpool Crown Court.
One boy, 15, was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders institution while two 16-year-olds will be detained for 18 months and two years respectively.
All three pleaded guilty to the assault and cannot be named for legal reasons.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Kameen said: “This was a horrendous and unprovoked assault on a man who was simply going about his business.
“What is most shocking is the ages of those responsible for carrying out this assault.
“I am sure the local community would agree that this type of behaviour has no place in Merseyside and I believe the sentences imposed by the court today reflect how serious this matter has been treated.
“I also hope that this will send a message out that Merseyside Police is committed to maintaining the rights of all our communities to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect and that any offences targeting people because of their race, disability, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity will not be tolerated.
“I would continue to urge victims of hate crime to report offences to the police so that we can take prompt action.
“However, we are acutely aware that sometimes people may be reluctant to come forward to the police, because of sensitivities or concerns they may have and there are other ways for people to report hate crime.
“Reluctant victims can go through third party reporting centres such as Registered Social Landlords, Daisy UK, who specialise in Disability Hate Crime reports (0800 694 2123) or Stop Hate UK, a 24/7 service which is a telephone reporting line (0800 138 1625).”