POLICE investigating a “cruel and spiteful” assault in which a 58-year-old man was struck on the back of the head have made two arrests following a CCTV appeal on the Star’s website.

The alleged attack happened in Bridge Street in the town centre as the victim was walking past the Post Office.

He suffered a broken arm and had to undergo surgery in hospital.

The incident happened two months ago, on Saturday, April 19 but this week was the first time police have made a public appeal for information.

After images were widely viewed on the Star’s website on Tuesday, police in St Helens confirmed, as the Star went to press they had arrested youths aged 16 and 15, on suspicion of a inflicting grievous bodily harm.

They are now in custody at police stations on Merseyside where they will be questioned by detectives.

Detective Constable Chris Loughead, of St Helens CID, said: “This was a cruel and spiteful assault on a man who was walking home from town minding his own business.

"The victim's arm was broken as a result of the incident, leaving him needing an operation to fit a metal plate and screws. He spent five days in hospital, and nearly two months on, he still hasn't made a full recovery from what happened.”

The attack happened shortly after 8pm. It is believed offenders cycled up behind the victim and hit him on the back of the head, causing him to fall over.

Contact detectives in St Helens CID on 0151 777 6061, or via the police non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.