Great British Bake Off's Paul Hollywood shares horrific attack: 'Punched to the floor'

Paul Hollywood has claimed that his brother was allegedly the victim of assualt while he was walking his dog in the heart of Merseyside. Officers have launched an investigation into a reported attack and announced a man, who is in his 50s, was walking his dog at around 7.10pm when another dog, which was being walked by another male, began barking at his pet. The Great British Bake Off host has now claimed that the person in question "punched" his brother Lee.

Merseyside Police said the dogs were separated by the other male who is believed to have become irate. As the man walked away, he was approached from behind and punched to the floor by the male. The man in his 50s was then kicked in the face and back before the male ran off.

Officers said the victim suffered injuries to his back and face and was then taken to hospital for treatment. On Sunday (August 10), the professional baker took to Instagram to appeal to any witnesses who saw the alleged assault take place.

He wrote: "If you have information regarding this attack on Friday night (August 8), the person in question who was attacked is my brother Lee. Any information, please follow details above. Thank you."

Merseyside Police have revealed an investigation is underway and witnesses and CCTV enquiries are in the process of being carried out. Detective Inspector Phil Ryan appealed for anyone who saw the attack, or a man leaving the area, to come forward.

He said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked assault which left the man needing hospital treatment. 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."

It didn't take long before fans flooded to the comments to pass on their best wishes for his brother's recovery online, with one user writing: "This is truly awful... I'm so sorry. Wish your brother a speedy recovery."

Another added: "Absolutely shocking. I hope they get who did this to your brother" as a third echoed: "Oh my goodness absolutely shocking. I do hope they catch this guy and wishing your brother a speedy recovery [heart emoji]."

A fourth chimed in with: "Prayers of quick healing and calm for your brother, and discernment and quickness for the authorities to find the individuals who did this and bring them to justice."

Anyone with any information has been asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X Merseyside Police Contact Centre or on Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'. You can also call 101, quoting incident reference 25000654914.