A MAN was treated in hospital for a cut to his head and bruising following an assault in the early hours close to a busy bar.

The 45-year-old victim was attacked as he walked along Earle Street in Earlestown at around 2am.

Detective Inspector Simon Draco explained: "Prior to being assaulted the victim had been drinking in Rosie's Bar, Earle Street and its possible that the offender(s) were in the bar.

"We believe this bar and surrounding area was busy at the time of the assault and I would ask anyone who was in the bar prior to the assault or anyone who was outside of the bar at around this time, to get in contact."

CCTV from the bar and surrounding area is being examined and enquiries are on-going. At this stage the motive for the assault is unclear.

Detectives would urge anyone with any information about this incident on Saturday, December to contact St Helens CID on 0151 777 6061 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.