CCTV Pictures

Merseyside Police has released CCTV footage of three men who they believe may be able to help them with their inquiries regarding the murder of 22-year-old Anthony Cavanagh who was assaulted in the Walkabout bar on Fleet Street, on Saturday, 24 September.

Anthony Cavanagh died on Wednesday, 5 October, and a murder investigation has been launched. DCI Paul Richardson, who is leading the investigation, is appealing to anyone who may have been in the Walkabout on the night of the assault to come forward with information and he is particularly interested in talking to three men who it is believed could have information which would help with their inquiries.

DCI Richardson, explained: "Anthony, who was a Royal Navy seaman, was on shore leave and out with friends on Saturday, 24 September, in Liverpool city centre. At about 1.45am in the early hours of Saturday Anthony and his friends were getting ready to leave the Walkabout and make their way home.

"As they were walking through the bar we believe Anthony was confronted by three men and it is possible that Anthony may accidentally have bumped into one of these men earlier in night. One of the three men who confronted Anthony is believed to have thrown a drink at him and then a punch was thrown by one of the three. Anthony fell to the floor and we believe he was unconscious from the moment he was hit.

"Anthony was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and was then transferred to the specialist Walton Neurological Centre where he later died."

Devastated family

DCI Richardson continued: "I would urge anyone who was in the Walkabout on the night of this attack to come forward and help us with our inquiries. I would urge anyone who was in the bar and witnessed the assault, or who has any information to come forward.

information which could help with our inquiries to come forward. In particular I would appeal to the three men featured in the CCTV stills, or anyone who knows them, to come forward as they could have vital information which could help us further our inquiries.

"Anthony was out to enjoy himself with friends and was due to return to his ship on the Monday. He didn't go out looking for trouble and his family are devastated at the loss of their son and brother. Anyone with information can contact Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111."

The offender who hit Anthony is described as white, muscular build with short, brown hair. he was wearing a white T-shirt and hooded top.

Anyone who was in the bar and witnessed the assault, or who has any information which could help the police with their inquiries can contact the incident room on 0151 777 4065 or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.