ECHO readers did not hold back their disgust at the story of the gang of thugs that kicked a woman believed to be pregnant into a canal.
The incident happened on Tuesday evening near the Strand Road bridge in Bootle when the couple were out walking.
Police say they were approached by a group of males on the canal path aged between 15 and 18, who asked for the time before the attack took place.
Posts on the ECHO Facebook page called the gang "sick idiots", "vermin" and "feral rats" for their vile actions that resulted in the victims being taken to hospital.
While readers expressed their concerns for the woman and her unborn child's health after the attack, others couldn't contain their anger and laid the blame for the gang's behaviour squarely at the young thugs' parents.
Angela Jones said: "Just dreadful. I hope she is OK as well as her baby, and of course her husband.
"These youngsters appear to be outside parental control. Disgusting behaviour and total lack of any human decency. They need locking up for a long time."
Ann Heard said: "This is the consequence of bringing up kids with no discipline, feckless lazy parents. What an absolute mess society is."
Lynn Griffiths said: "Some people think it's OK because the punishment just isn't enough!! If the culprits are young, their parents should also be charged. Maybe then people might take some responsibility for their off-spring!"
Other commentators blamed a lack of powers given to police to punish young adults who perform criminal acts.
Barbara Carroll said: "[The] problem is lack of consequence. If caught a slap on the wrist is most likely all they would get. Unless we begin to punish people for attacks and crimes it will continue."
Paul Sillett posted: "Probably under 16 and won’t get punished, untouchables. Shocking what kids think is acceptable now, no respect for the law or others."
Others called for better CCTV and monitoring of areas where criminal acts are thought to take place.
Natalie Cornett said: "I think the councils need to start investing in CCTV on canals. The amount of crime, shootings & gang going ons [sic] will only carry on getting worse because they know they can do what they like on canals!"
Most were in agreement that the gang needed to be caught and punished while expressing support for the victims.
And Michelle Berry posted: "How awful. What is wrong with some people? Some of the youth today have zero respect and are just heading for the gutter. I hope the couple are OK and if the woman is pregnant I hope they are both safe."
The man and woman were taken to hospital after an "appalling" unprovoked attack by a gang of scooter-riding thugs.
The incident happened on Tuesday around 7.45pm near the Strand Road bridge in Bootle when the couple were out walking.
Police say they were approached by a group of males on the canal path aged between 15 and 18 who had a white scooter.
Two of the males asked the couple for the time before kicking them both into the canal.
The group then made off from the scene in the direction of the strand.
Both were left shaken by the shocking assault and attended hospital as a precaution.
From messages posted by a neighbour on social media, the woman who was kicked into the canal is understood to be pregnant.
An investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police.
Detective Inspector Catherine Walsh said: “This was an appalling, unprovoked attack which could’ve resulted in serious injuries or worse.
“We are carrying out a number of enquiries and would ask anyone with information to come forward.
“If you were in the area at the time and witnessed the incident, the offenders making off or a group of males fitting the description, please let us know.
“Likewise, if you have any CCTV or dashcam footage please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 with reference 842 of 26/05 or @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
