Two women were targeted with homophobic abuse after a large group of teenagers threw a bottle at their car.
On Tuesday, October 5 at around 7.45pm, the couple were driving through Crosby when they passed a group of teenage boys outside the newsagent's on the corner of Endbutt Lane and Liverpool Road.
The boys aged 13-16 were reported to have approached the women and threw a bottle at their car.
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Shocked by the group's actions, the women challenged them but were met with more abuse as the teenagers yelled homophobic slurs at them.
A number of other incidents of altercations and anti-social behaviour involving the same group were reported in the same area, with one individual claiming to have seen the boys throw biscuits at passing cars and pedestrians.
Merseyside Police is yet to make any arrests and an enquiry is ongoing.
Detective inspector Matthew Kerr said: "It is completely and utterly unacceptable for anyone to be subject to verbal or physical abuse simply because of their gender identity or sexual orientation and we simply will not tolerate people being targeted in this way.
“Our enquiries are ongoing into the reports of anti-social behaviour in the area and this hate crime incident. If you were in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident or have any information about other altercations, we would like to hear from you.
“We have a dedicated team of hate crime co-ordinators who will be visiting schools across Sefton as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 9 - October 16) and to make sure anyone who comes forward will be supported at every step as sensitively as possible.
“Furthermore, across Merseyside, there are a number of third-party reporting centres available to anyone who doesn't want to call the police in the first instance including the charity Stop Hate UK who can be contacted on 0800 138 1625.
“Whether you let us know directly or anonymously, through Crimestoppers, please get in touch and we can take action.”
Anyone with information about this hate crime or other incidents in this area is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 21000692468.
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