A CHINESE man was verbally and physically abused as he travelled on a bus from Liverpool to Widnes.

The 35-year-old man was taunted by a group of between five and 10 men.

Police say it was only when a female passenger intervened that the gang got off the bus.

Merseyside Police is appealing for witnesses following the incident which happened on a number 79c Arriva bus travelling from Childwall to Widnes on Thursday, 19 February.

DC Craig Doyle from Merseyside Police SIGMA Hate Crime Unit said: “We are particularly keen to trace this lady as she may have vital information that could help us identify these individuals.

“I’d also like to appeal to anyone else who was on the bus at the time who may have seen this incident to please get in touch with us.

“We are treating this as a hate crime and take all reports of this nature extremely seriously.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to reassure people that we have specially trained officers who investigate cases with a view to robust action being taken against offenders.”

The victim boarded the bus at Score Lane in Childwall.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact the SIGMA Team on 0151 777 4081 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.