POLICE have made two arrests in connection with a "brutal" town centre assault but are still appealing for more information.

CCTV images were released after the attack which happened in the early hours of Saturday morning and left a man with serious facial injuries.

Two boys have been arrested on suspicion of assault following the attack on Kirkland Street.

A 15-year-old boy from Wavertree and a 16-year-old boy from Kensington were taken into custody and have been bailed pending further enquiries.

It follows a strong public response following the appeal. It is understood other names put forward by the community are being looked at.

The alleged victim, who is in his 20s, is believed to have been seriously assaulted by a group of people in the early hours of Saturday.

At around 4am, police received a report of a man in his 20s found close to Asda, having suffered facial injuries.

Police and the ambulance service attended and the victim was taken to hospital.

He was found to have suffered a fractured eye socket, a fractured nose and cuts and bruises. He remains in hospital for further assessment on the injury to his eye.

Police are still encouraging people to come forward with information.

Detective Constable Ian Rogers from St Helens CID said: "This was a brutal and unprovoked attack against a man making his way home after spending the evening with friends.

"The victim is understandably distressed to have been set upon by a group and he may have suffered permanent injuries as a result. I would urge those people in the photos to contact police immediately, as we will be looking to identify and speak with each and every one to assist with our enquiries.

“I would like to reassure the local community that incidents like this are rare, which is why we are determined to find those responsible as soon as possible and bring them to justice.

“Any information you may have about a group of youths in the Kirkland Street area on Saturday night may be crucial to our investigation."

Anyone who witnessed the assault or a group near to Asda on Kirkland Street at around 4am on Saturday is urged to call St Helens CID on 0151 777 6881, the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.