A MAN'S ear was bitten off during an assault in a nightclub.

The 21-year-old victim was out with friends at Digital nightclub in Times Square when he got into an altercation with another man.

Police say the offender punched him a number of times before biting off part of his ear and fleeing the scene.

It resulted in the offender punching him a number of times before he proceeded to bite off part of his ear.

The victim was taken to hospital by paramedics where he received twelve stitches and now detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Inspector Mal Stratton said: "This was a really vicious assault that has caused serious injuries and is not something that belongs in our city.

"We are carrying out a number of enquiries to identify the offender in this case but we need help from the public.

"If you were in Digital that evening and saw what happened then please give us a call."

The offender is described as white, around 5ft8in tall, with short hair and wearing a blue chequered shirt and dark trousers. He was in the company of a female friend at the time of the incident.

Any witnesses, or anyone who knows the person responsible, can call police on 101 extension 36394 or by emailing 8007@northumbria.pnn.police.uk quoting reference