A substantial reward is being offered for help with the arrest and conviction of a Saints fan who assaulted a barman following a row in a Preston pub.

The incident occurred at the Coachman's public house in Church Street, Preston, on Saturday, January 13, where the offender and his girlfriend were watching the Saints/Wigan Regal Trophy Final clash on the pub's TV.

An argument developed between the man and his Wigan supporter girlfriend and when the barman tried to intervene he received a serious neck injury when the man hit him with a beer bottle.

The couple were both in their mid-20s and the man, who police believe, may come from St Helens, was 6ft tall and well built with very short-cropped ginger/blond hair and a goatee beard. He was wearing a red-and-green T-shirt and blue jeans.

His girlfriend was medium build with shoulder-length black or dark-brown hair and wore black trousers and a black-and-white top.

DS Mike Murray, who is handling the case told the Star: "The man was certainly a Saints fan and possibly comes from this area. If anyone recognises him or has any information, we would like to hear from them."

CONTACT DS Murray at the Crime Management Unit on 0151 777 6050 or alternatively, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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