Television personality Paul Hollywood has taken to social media to reveal his brother was the victim of a violent assault in Merseyside on Friday evening.
The Great British Bake Off judge shared a police appeal on Instagram, identifying the injured man as his sibling Lee.
Writing to his 670,000 followers on Sunday afternoon, the 59-year-old celebrity chef stated: “If you have information regarding this attack on Friday night, the person in question who was attacked is my brother Lee. Any information please follow details above.”
The revelation came as Merseyside Police launched an investigation into what officers described as a “nasty and unprovoked assault” in Leasowe.
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The incident occurred at approximately 7.10pm on Links View Playing fields, close to Shackleton Road, whilst the victim was out with his pet.
According to police reports, the man in his fifties encountered another dog walker whose animal began barking at his own.
After the two men separated their pets, the other individual reportedly became agitated. The victim attempted to leave the scene but was attacked from behind without warning.
Officers stated the assailant struck him to the ground with a punch before proceeding to kick him repeatedly in both his face and back.
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The attacker then fled the scene, leaving the injured man requiring hospital treatment for facial and back injuries.
Merseyside Police have confirmed they are conducting a full investigation into the incident, with officers pursuing both witness statements and CCTV footage from the area.
Detective Inspector Phil Ryan emphasised the severity of the attack, stating: “This was a nasty and unprovoked assault which left the man needing hospital treatment.”
The detective issued a direct appeal to potential witnesses, saying: “We are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Links View Playing fields or Shackleton Road at around 7pm last night who heard or saw the incident or saw the male leaving the area to contact us.”
The investigation remains active as officers work to identify the perpetrator.
Members of the public with relevant information are urged to reach out to Merseyside Police through multiple channels.
The force has provided several contact methods including their social media desk on X at @MerPolCC and via Facebook through ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
Hollywood’s public appeal has prompted an outpouring of support from fans, with many sharing the police statement to help identify the attacker.
“Oh my goodness absolutely shocking. I do hope they catch this guy and wishing your brother a speedy recovery,” one follower reached out.
A second echoed: “Absolutely shocking, I have family who live in the area so will share with them, I know they walk their dogs in the playing fields.”
“That’s awful Paul so sorry to hear about this,” a third weighed in. “Sending lots of love to your brother and hope he is well soon x.”
And a fourth also showed their support: “Absolutely horrific. I am so sorry to hear this. Hoping your brother heals quickly and fully & this dangerous perpetrator gets caught and receives a severe sentence.” (sic)
The television judge thanked followers in advance for any assistance they could provide in locating the individual responsible for the assault on his brother.
Witnesses can also telephone 101 and quote incident reference 25000654914. For those preferring anonymity, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.