Police are appealing for witnesses following a sexual assault in Edge Hill in the early hours of Sunday morning.
At around 4am, a report was received from the ambulance service after a woman was found at the junction of Earle Road and Freeman Street.
It is believed that the victim was walking down Earle Road when she was approached from behind and pushed to the floor.
The woman was sexually assaulted and received a serious leg injury during the incident.
She was taken to hospital where she received treatment and will be fully supported by specialist detectives from the force’s Unity team.
The man is described as white, ed 5ft 9in tall, rx with curly brown hair, of scruffy appearance and wearing a padded blue coat, and blue jeans.
He also stole a bag from the victim, which is described as white and heart shaped. The man is believed to have been riding a small BMX bike.
The incident happened just hours after an attempted rape in Wavertree and potential links between the two cases have not been discounted.
Detective Superintendent Lee Turner, from Merseyside Police, said: “At this stage we are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked.
“But we are considering all lines of enquiry in relation to both investigations.
“I would like to reassure the public that we will be relentless in finding those responsible and will be stepping up patrols in the area this Bank Holiday weekend.
“Any details that you can provide, however small, may be vital in our investigations.”
Extensive enquiries are ongoing and extra patrols will be in the area over the remainder of the Bank Holiday weekend to provide reassurance.
Anyone with information that could help the police investigation is asked to call the Unity team on 0151 777 1382 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.