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This is the moment a thug floored a mum in a sickening attack during a row that police are treating as a hate crime .

The Muslim woman was knocked to the ground following a street row that followed reports youths had damaged a car and the window of a Liverpool home.

This CCTV shows the aftermath - in which the woman and her sons were set upon by males wielding scaffolding poles.

The incident is thought to have erupted after issues with youths playing football in the street, causing damage to the car and window.

Images show the victims talking in the street, which is in Tuebrook , before three young males charge at them, splitting the group.

In the melee that follows a thug punches the mum, who is in her 40s, forcing her to the ground, where she is left until one of her sons is able to help her.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

The attack took place at around 6pm on Sunday evening.

Merseyside Police has confirmed officers were called to reports of an "altercation involving a number of people in the street".

The force said it was reported that "during the incident, a group of youths had caused damage to a car and the window of a property, before a woman in her 40’s was assaulted by a male".

She was taken to hospital for treatment for a facial injury.

Following the trouble, a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated section 47 assault. A 31-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of affray.

Both have been released on conditional bail and a police spokeswoman said an investigation is ongoing.

The victims, who asked not to be identified, urged anyone with details about those involved in the incident to contact police.

They believe they were targeted because they are from Pakistan.

Community Inspector Andy Gardiner said: “This is a shocking incident and we are still working to piece together the exact circumstances, however to discriminate against anyone in this way is appalling behaviour and hate crime of any kind will not be tolerated by Merseyside Police."

He added a number of people were involved in the incident and appealed for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact the force.

*Anyone with details can contact police on Twitter (via @MerPolCC) or by calling 101, quoting the reference number 19100193350. You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.