A MAN had his ear bitten, causing what police called 'appalling injuries,' during a late night assault in Lancaster city centre.

The 26-year-old victim was walking home from a Saturday night in a local pub shortly after midnight.

Passing the taxi rank opposite Kentucky Fried Chicken on Penny Street, he saw a group of people who appeared to be having an argument.

He accidentally brushed past one of the group, who turned around and said: 'what are you doing?'

The attack then began, as the man leaned over, grabbed his victim around the neck and shoulders before biting his earlobe, causing part of it to come away from the ear.

He was then punched several times to the face and body before his attacker left the scene.

The man was left to walk the short distance to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, from where he was transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital for emergency surgery on the ear.

Det Sgt Mark Salisbury.

of Lancaster police, said: "Fortunately, assaults of this kind are very rare in Lancaster City Centre.

"On this occasion, it has happened in an area which is known to be busy at this time of night and assistance is sought from anyone who may have any information about who is responsible for causing this man's appalling injuries."

The attacker is said to be white, 22 or 23 years old, 5ft 5in tall, of medium build with short, dark hair.

Like the rest of the group, he is said to have been wearing casual clothes.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lancaster police on 01524 63333.