A Merseyside bar worker was subjected to homophobic abuse.
Police received a report that a group of four men and a woman had tageted the staff member at the Bootle Arms on Rock Lane at around 6.15pm on Thursday (April 16).
Officers attended the scene but the suspects had left the pub before they arrived.
Enquiries into the incident are ongoing with Merseyside Police appealing to any potential witnesses to the hate crime to come forward with information.
Local Policing Inspector Ken Sumner said: “This was an appalling incident against someone who was just trying to do their job.
“No one should expect to be treated in such a shocking manner when they go to work.
“There were lots of people in the pub at the time, so if you saw what happened and have any information then please get in touch.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to find those responsible.”
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC.
You can also report information via their website or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 26000300171.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here:.