A 13-year-old boy was kicked by a man in a "racially aggravated assault" during a church service at Liverpool Cathedral, police have said.
Merseyside Police released an image of a man they wish to speak to following the alleged incident on December 6, at around 11am.
The teenager who was left "very distressed", suffered a minor injury.
A full investigation has been launched and a number of lines of enquiry are being pursued.
Detective Constable Joanne Brough, of the specialist Sigma Hate Crime team, said: "We are treating this as a racially aggravated assault and specialist officers from the force's Sigma team are conducting enquiries.
"The victim thankfully only suffered a minor injury but has been left very distressed following this incident.
"I am sure the local community would agree that this type of behaviour is not acceptable, especially in a place of worship and has no place on Merseyside. I would therefore ask anyone who has any information about this incident or who recognises this man to get in contact."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Liverpool Sigma team on 0151 777 4048 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.