A lorry driver was battered by a gang of thugs armed with pieces of wood after confronting them for throwing stones into the yard of a business.
The man was taken to hospital with a facial injury after the assault in Commercial Road, Kirkdale, shortly before 7.15pm yesterday.
A heavy police presence was reported in the Kirkdale, Vauxhall and Everton areas as officers hunted for the offenders, with a helicopter from the National Police Air Service providing support.
Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses in the area by the junction with Pansy Street to come forward.
A spokeswoman said: "Officers were called at 7.15pm to reports the man had challenged a group of males who were believed to be throwing stones over the Leeds Liverpool canal into the yard of a business.
"The man was assaulted and suffered a facial injury which required hospital treatment.
"An investigation is underway and CCTV enquiries are being carried out in the local area."
The force said the attack involved more than one offender and the attackers were believed to have been armed with pieces of wood.
Detective Inspector Phil Atkinson said: “This was a nasty assault which left the injured man needing to go to hospital.
"I would appeal to anyone who was in the area around Commercial Road/Pansy Street last night to contact us as they may have information which is vital to our investigation.
“I would also ask anyone who may have been walking along the canal and who saw this group of males during the course of yesterday evening to come forward and speak to us.”
Anyone with information is asked to message @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 20000233939.
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