Two thugs assaulted a boy and robbed two new Christmas bikes which he was guarding for himself and his friend.
The incident happened shortly before 5pm on Sunday, January 2, in Rice Lane, Walton.
It was reported that the boy was standing by two pedal bikes belonging to him and his friend outside Go Local Convenience Store when he was approached by two men.
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The two men assaulted the boy and fled the scene on the two bikes in the direction of McDonald's on Rice Lane.
The boy suffered several injuries to his face from the assault.
One of the offenders was described as white, approximately 6ft, wearing a grey hoodie and a black coat.
The second man was also described as white, approximately 5ft 10in, of stocky build with short to medium length ginger hair and a ginger beard without a moustache, wearing a bubble coat.
The two bikes stolen are described as Carrera mountain bikes, one has a grey frame and orange writing and the other has a black frame and blue writing.
CCTV and witness enquiries are being carried out and anyone with any information is asked to contact police.
Detective Inspector Chris Saidi said: "This was a shocking attack that left a young boy with a number of injuries to his face and I want to reassure the public that we are committed to finding the people responsible for committing this offence and bringing them to justice.
"I would appeal to anyone who was on Rice Lane on Sunday evening who saw these two men on bikes or anything suspicious to contact us.
"I would particularly ask anyone who was driving past who may have a dash-cam footage to check it to see if they captured anything significant. Please get in touch as you could hold information which is vital to our investigation."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 with reference 22000004913.
You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form here.
