A MAN was knocked unconscious in front of his wife after challenging a thug who was urinating outside a pub.

The attack - details of which were reported by the Star last night - happened near the Bird I'th Hand pub in the early hours of Sunday.

The 57-year-old victim was with his wife and two friends when he was punched.

He is in a serious but stable condition in hospital with a head injury.

Police were called at about 12.20am to the scene.

Star readers have voiced their disgust at the shocking incident, while police hope people travelling along the busy route may have witnessed what happened.

Detective Inspector Steve McGrath, said: "The victim was leaving the pub with his wife and two friends when he remonstrated with a man who was urinating outside, this man then became aggressive and punched the victim to the head, causing him to lose consciousness.

"Prescot Road is a busy road in and out of St Helens and I would urge anyone who was in the area just after midnight this morning, who may have seen the incident, or who has any phone/dashcam footage or information, which could help us with our inquiries to get in touch.

"A lot of buses also use this route, so I would appeal to any bus passengers who may have seen the incident to come forward, as they information they have could be vital to our inquiries."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting reference 0019 of 24 October, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or @CrimestoppersUK.”