A MAN has lost the top parts of both his ears after a vicious attack in Accrington this morning.

Police said the 18-year-old, from Church, was pulled into a side street off Eastgate at 1.30am and assaulted.

Detectives were speaking to the victim today to find out how the attack happened.

They said they believed the man’s ears were cut off rather than bitten off.

Police said the attack resulted in the victim ‘losing the top portion of both his ears’.

Detective Sergeant Paul Langley said: “This was a horrendous attack.

“I have dealt with people who have had ears and noses bitten off and bones broken, but to have two ears bitten or cut like this in extremely unusual and strange circumstances.

“The wounds appear to be clean and not jagged, so we are wondering if a knife may have been used.

“He had a lot of blood running down his face from his ears on to his hooded top.

“The motive for the attack is unclear. We do not know if his attacker was known to him.”

DS Langley said they were keen for more witnesses to come forward, particularly people who were in nearby takeaways and taxi offices.

A worker at Central Taxis, Burnley Road, said the man ran towards their office covered in blood.

He said the man’s injuries looked horrific.

The worker added: “It was very, very bad. There was a lot of blood coming from his ear.

“We rang the police and an ambulance came.”

Police said the victim had been in a takeaway in Whalley Road with friends.

The attack happened after the man and his friends separated.

After the assault the victim went to a nearby taxi office for help.

Call police on 08451 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.