A MAN launched an assault on two passers-by who were checking up on him.

Police are investigating the assault which took place on Friday evening, July 28, on Gerards Lane, Sutton Leach.

The attacker was seen lying on the ground at around 9.30pm by a man and a woman.

When they went to ask if he was alright, he assaulted both of them.

The victims were uninjured but left "shocked and distressed" by the attack, police say.

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A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "We are appealing for information following a report of an altercation in St Helens on Friday 28 July.

"At around 9.40pm it was reported that a man was lying in the road on Gerards Lane in Sutton Leach when two passers-by, a man and a woman, asked if he was alright. 

"The man in the road then assaulted both people who asked after his welfare.

"No injury was reported but both victims were left shocked and distressed by the incident."

She added: "Officers attended and enquires are being carried out to identify the suspect.

"If you have any information on this incident please contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with any information, with reference 23000686843.

"You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."