A WIRRAL man was taken to Walton Neurological Centre for treatment after an assault outside a pub.

Police say the  24-year-old victim suffered a head injury after being punched outside the Royal Oak pub in Liscard Village shortly after 5pm on Saturday.

He fell to the floor and suffered a wound to the back of his head.

Several bystanders tended to him and emergency services were called.

He was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital for treatment before being transferred to the neurological centre.

His condition has since improved and his injuries are no longer believed to be life-threatening.

He is currently described as stable.

An investigation is underway to establish the motive behind the assault.

Detectives believe both men had been customers inside the pub but that the incident started outside following "an exchange of words."

An area in front of the premsies was cordoned off on Saturday night to allow crime scene investigators to carry out forensic inquiries. The cordon was lifted on Sunday morning.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV from both inside and outside of the pub and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the altercation between the two men or the assault itself to contact them.

The man officers want to speak to is white, aged between 30 and 40, with a bald or shaven head, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and white trainers and left the pub in the direction of Liscard.

Anyone with information should call Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.