Police are appealing for information after a man was left with cuts and bruises to his head after being attacked in a city centre by a group of three.
Distressing mobile phone footage has emerged online showing two of the three male attackers kicking and punching the man, 38, on Basnett Street in Liverpool city centre on Sunday.
One of the attackers seems to chant 'Manchester Manchester' before he walks away, the LiverpoolEcho reports.
The video shows worried shoppers intervening to protect the man from his attackers as he is hit outside the Marks and Spencer food hall.
The two attackers seen in the video then walk away from the victim, but return to hurl abuse at him.
A group of shoppers then scream at the men to go away.
The violence appeared to flare after a verbal exchange between the victim and a group of three other men.
Police said they were contacted at 5.40pm on Sunday to reports of a man who had been spat at and assaulted by three attackers on Basnett Street.
The offenders made off on foot before police arrived, the force said, and inquiries were carried out in the local area to trace the men.
Detective Inspector Lynsay Armbruster said: "This was a shocking attack and we have launched a full investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible.
"This incident not only left the victim hurt, it also left a number of bystanders shocked and upset at what they saw."
He said it is believed the offenders may have been from Manchester and may have travelled that day.
Dt Isp Armbruster said the force is keen to hear from anyone who may know them or their whereabouts.
Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 20000772434.
