Police are appealing for information after reports that strangers put a lit firework in a homeless man's pocket in Liverpool.

The army veteran managed to pull the firework out quickly, but was left with what appears to be a burn to the leg.

The four teenagers involved allegedly told him to have a "sparking night".

The outreach team who helped him from the homeless charity Paper Cup Project said the attack was "appalling".

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact Merseyside Police. Credit: Andy Shute

Police are appealing for information following the incident in Liverpool City Centre, which happened at around 8:20pm.

They say they haven't found the homeless man yet, and are carrying out "extensive" enquiries to find out what happened.

This appears to be a shocking incident and currently our main priority is to locate the victim and ensure he is safe and well. To misuse fireworks is highly irresponsible behaviour which will not be tolerated and we are determined to locate the offenders and put them before the courts Chief Inspector Paddy Kelly

Anyone who saw a group of youths making off from the area, or a man who appeared to be injured, is asked to get in touch with police.

They say "any information, no matter how small, could assist our enquiries".