Paul Hollywood has appealed for help after revealing his brother Lee was assaulted in a 'nasty and unprovoked' attack.

The Great British Bake Off star, 59, revealed the assault left his brother with 'face and back injuries' that needed hospital treatment, after he became involved in a dispute with another man while walking his dog.

Paul re-shared a Facebook post by Wirral Police calling for witnesses to come forward if they have any information in the attack.

While the post did not reveal the identity of the man who was attacked, Paul shared the statement on Instagram, adding in the caption that it was his brother Lee.

The appeal read: 'We are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Leasowe last night, Friday 8 August.

'The man, who is in his 50s, was walking his dog on Links View Playing fields, near to Shackleton Road, at around 7.10pm when his dog and another dog, which was being walked by an another male, began barking at each other.

'The dogs were separated by the other male who then became irate. As the man walked away he was approached from behind and punched to the floor by the male. He was then kicked in the face and back before the male made off.

'The man suffered injuries to his back and face and was taken to hospital for treatment.

'An investigation is underway and witness and CCTV enquiries are in the process of being carried out.'

'Detective Inspector Phil Ryan 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.'''

Sharing the full appeal on his social media, Paul added: 'If you have information regarding this attack on Friday night, the person in question who was attacked is my brother Lee. Any information please follow details above Thankyou.'

Anyone with any information on the attack 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.

Daily Mail has contacted Wirral Police for further information. 

Like his brother, Lee pursued a career in baking, but back in 2020, his bread company went bust.

Lee attempted to follow in his brother's footsteps by opening Born & Bread in The Wirral which supplied hundreds of artisan loaves, baguettes and sweet treats to hotels, restaurants, delicatessens and football clubs.

But several businesses told Daily Mail that the business, registered in 2002, went into administration. 

A supervisor at Village Bakehouse & Deli, that Hollywood's brother supplied, said they needed to find another supplier after being made aware of the bankruptcy.

'Every day we got their bread in but on Saturday our usual order hadn't been delivered,' Simon said.

'I phoned their offices to get an answer and I couldn't get a reply. I texted Lee Hollywood to find out where our order was and he told me that his company had gone into receivership.'

Greens of Oxton bakery, who were also supplied by Born & Bread, said: 'We got an email telling us of the news. He supplied us.'

Williamsons Bakery, based in Northwich, posted on Facebook: 'Such a shame that Born & Bread on the Wirral has ceased trading - they were one of the first people to do 'proper' bread at farmers markets I organised in Cheshire.

'They were a total inspiration to me! It's tough out there! Use us or lose us - keep it local.' 

Filings at Companies House published in 2019 showed Born & Bread owed £109,075 in 2018, and only had current assets of £95,159.

The business was listed as 'permanently closed' on Google, while its Facebook page has been taken down.

Lee Hollywood said in 2016 that he works 13-hour days at the business to make it a success.

'I'm the grafter of the family, Paul's too busy with Bake-Off,' he joked. 'The last time he made a proper loaf was about ten years ago!' 

Paul Hollywood's own artisan bread business went into liquidation in 2014, prompting the chef to withdraw from the market.