A woman was sexually assaulted at a popular Liverpool student pub.
Police received a report at around 11.20pm on Thursday that a man had pulled a woman’s hair and touched her inappropriately at The Brookhouse.
A short time later the victim’s boyfriend confronted the offender on his behaviour and was then punched in the face causing a cut to his lip.
Security staff intervened but another altercation took place at the pub’s closing time with one victim sustaining injuries requiring hospital treatment.
The offenders proceeded to make off in a black Volkswagen Tiguan.
Detectives have issued images of two men they believe could assist in their investigation, which has conducted extensive CCTV and witness enquiries.
Detective Inspector Michael Fletcher said: “This was a dangerous and unprovoked attack involving a woman who was sexually assaulted by an unknown man, and I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are rare.
“This prompted her boyfriend to confront the offender on his behaviour where he was then punched in the face and this continued a short time later into a fight involving five men from both parties.
“Please be rest-assured that our enquiries continue to find two suspects, as such behaviour will not be tolerated.
“With this, I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has information which can help with our investigation to please contact us.
“I am also appealing to the two men featured in the images, or anyone who recognises them to come forward.
“We believe they could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.”
If you have information on this incident please contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 23000914529.
You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.