TWO attackers waved at and shouted hello to their victim before they punched him in the face in an "unprovoked" assault.

Police are appealing for information following the attack in Standish Street, St Helens last Friday, October 22.

At around 3.45pm, a man in his 20s was reportedly outside a shop, opposite Parish Church Primary School on Standish Street, when two other men waved at him and shouted hello.

When the victim replied that he didn’t know them, the men punched him in the head and face and stole his e-cigarette before making off.

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The victim sustained a facial injury and concussion, and attended hospital.

Police say the attackers were described as white, in their 20s or 30s, with one wearing a blue t-shirt and grey jogging bottoms, and the other wearing a long sleeve grey top and grey jogging bottoms.

Police say inquiries are ongoing, including CCTV.

Inspector Alyson Keenan said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack which, like any act of violence, could easily have caused serious or fatal injuries. We’re keen to speak to anyone who saw the incident, lives locally or was passing by and captured anything on CCTV, dashcam or other devices.

“We’re determined to find those responsible and put them before the courts so tell us what you know and we will take the appropriate action. Please come forward via the below channels only, as discussing live investigations on social media may jeopardise the work we are doing.”