AN EASTERN European man was the victim of an alleged racially motivated attack while playing football with friends, say police.

The 24-year-old was approached by three men in their early 20s while at Queens Park Leisure Centre, Boundary Road.

It is alleged one of the men in the group shouted racial abuse at the victim and his friends before the assault by an offender who police say was “very skinny with pointy ears”.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a cut to his mouth.

The assault happened at about 7.25pm on Wednesday, June 25 and police are appealing for witnesses.

Detectives believe the attacker and his two friends left the area in a dark grey Vauxhall Corsa.

Detective Constable Stacey Traynor, said: “This was a senseless and vicious attack on a man who was out enjoying himself with friends.

"We will not tolerate this sort of abuse and I would appeal to anyone who might have seen the incident to contact police.

“Any information that is provided will be thoroughly examined in an effort to identify the person responsible."

The offender is described as white, aged in his mid to late 20s, of a skinny build with noticeably pointed ears.

He was wearing a white t-shirt, grey jogging pants and was carrying a grey jogging top.

One of his friends is described as white, about 5ft 10in, in his early to mid 20s and of a skinny build. He was wearing a baseball cap, black t-shirt, black shorts and black trainers.

The second friend is described as white, in his 20s, and of a stocky build. He was wearing a cap, grey t-shirt with red, black and white writing on the front.

Contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 6811 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.