POLICE have issued a CCTV image appeal after a 71-year-old man was punched in the face in a "nasty and unprovoked attack" in St Helens town centre.

Officers believe the man pictured may have information to assist their inquiries into the assault which happened on Westfield Street last month.

At around 8.20pm on Saturday, November 12, police received a report that a man had been punched twice in the face.

The victim was standing outside a bar on Westfield Street when he was approached by "an unknown male" who punched him twice, causing an injury to his nose.

The attacker then left the scene on foot.

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Since the incident, police have carried out an investigation and analysed CCTV footage to identify anyone who could be responsible.

Officers have today released a CCTV image of someone who they think may have information.

St Helens Star: The assault happened on Westfield Street, police sayThe assault happened on Westfield Street, police say (Image: St Helens Star)

Detective Inspector James Rotheram said: “This was a nasty and completely unprovoked attack on an innocent man.

"We think the male pictured in the CCTV image may have vital information to help our inquiries and although the quality of the image may not be as clear as we would like, we hope that it could trigger someone’s memory.

“If you recognise this man, or this image reminds you of anything suspicious you saw at around 8.20pm on Saturday, November 12, on Westfield Street, please do let us know.”