A MAN was left with fractures to his leg and ankle and part of his ear missing after allegedly being attacked by two brothers.

Clive Buxton was first assaulted by David McDonald as he walked home after a night out with his brother and a friend, a court was told.

Mr Buxton was hit with a wine bottle, then had a chunk chewed from his left ear during the early morning attack in Middlesbrough, it was claimed.

Mr McDonald fled from the scene to his mother's house nearby and sought the help of his younger brother, Scott, as Mr Buxton had chased him, it was alleged.

Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday how the pair then set about Mr Buxton and left him with his serious injuries.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, told the jury that the apparently motiveless and unprovoked first attack happened just after 12.30am, on July 1, on Broadwell Road, Easterside.

Mr Newcombe said Mr Buxton was on his way home when he passed David McDonald at a bus stop and a "bizarre" conversation took place.

Mr McDonald, 25, of Mayfair Avenue, Grove Hill, is alleged to have said: "Don't come near me, or I'll bottle you," said Mr Newcombe.

But when Mr Buxton approached to find out what he had said, Mr McDonald said: "In fact, I'm going to bottle you any way," before trying to hit him, court was told.

During a struggle, Mr Buxton had part of his ear bitten off, then Mr McDonald fled to Calder Road and knocked on the door of a house and his 22-year-old brother came out, the court heard.

Mr Buxton told the court that he ran after Mr McDonald so he could find out where he lived and tell the police.

Moments later, the court heard, both brothers came towards him and a number of punches and kicks were delivered.

Mr Buxton admitted his memory of the second attack was not good, but he was aware of blows coming in from each side.

Graeme Gaston, defending David McDonald, suggested Mr Buxton was the aggressor, and he was at fault for the attack.

David McDonald denies wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Scott McDoanld, of Forber Road, Middlesbrough, denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Mr Newcombe told the jury that Mr Buxton's leg and ankle fractures were caused in the second incident and that he also suffered abrasions to his right eye and scalp, and loosened teeth.

The case continues.