Police are investigating “a Serious assault” following reports a Liverpool fan was attacked ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma at Anfield on Tuesday.

Merseyside Police posted a message on Tuesday evening, confirming an incident had taken place and appealing for video footage.

A statement read: “We are investigating a Serious assault of a man outside the Albert pub on Walton Breck Rd at about 19.35.

“Officers are appealing to anyone with information, or mobile phone footage to contact our social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.”

There were clashes between Liverpool and Roma supporters shortly before kick-off.

Around 80 Roma fans are thought to have used a side road to reach an area populated by Liverpool supporters just outside their Anfield stadium.

One man was seen motionless on the road and BBC Sport footage showed another fan carrying a hammer amid reports Roma supporters used belts as weapons.

Sunday Times Football correspondent Jonathan Northcroft tweeted: “Roma fans have just attacked Liverpool supporters with belts, outside the Albert. One guy down getting treatment.

“The Roma group came out of Venmore Street, and attack was sudden.”