Detectives have released CCTV stills of two men they want to speak to in connection with a serious assault in Birkenhead.

The victims, a 22-year-old man and a 33-year-old man, were assaulted and robbed at their house in Lowood Road after meeting two men in a local pub - the Charring Cross.

The victims are believed to have met their would-be attackers in the pub for the first time that night and then carried on drinking back at their house.

Once inside, the victims were threatened with a knife and both punched and kicked.

The 22-year-old also had two mobile phones, his wallet, cash and bank cards stolen. The 33-year-old suffered a fractured cheek and eye socket.

The attackers are believed to have left the house with a woman who arrived sometime before the assault took place, but who had not been in the pub with the group.

The incident happened at around 2.30am on Saturday, June 29.

Detective Sergeant Mark Watson from Birkenhead CID said: "This a violent and sustained attack on two men who had been enjoying a drink at their local pub.

"They say they struck up a conversation with another group of people and the drinking continue back at their house.

"During the early hours, things have turned violent and the pair have been assaulted and robbed and one victim in particular has suffered serious facial injuries.

"Our enquiries have established that the men pictured in the CCTV were in the area at the time and we are keen to hear from them, or anyone who knows them, so we can progress the investigation."

Call Birkenhead CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.