A 20-YEAR-OLD man is recovering after having part of his ear bitten off in a vicious attack at a Blackburn nightclub.

The incident, described as "appalling" by police, happened in the early hours of yesterday morning when Darren Cassidy and Graham WIllets were attacked by a group of eight young men at Mr G's nightclub, Fleming Square.

The gang kicked and punched 21-year-old Graham, of Skelshaw Close, Blackburn, to the floor and then set upon Darren, of Seascale Close, dragging him across the dance floor.

One of the group of thugs, all believed to in their early twenties, then grabbed hold of him and bit off about an inch of his left ear.

"This was a very vicious assault and totally unprovoked," said PC Darren Cookson.

"It has caused an horrific injury and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident which happened at around 2am to contact us in confidence."

Darren was today recovering from the attack at home.

"I've no idea why they attacked us. I'd never seen them before," said Darren, unemployed, who plays for Highercroft in the Witton Sunday League.

Graham suffered a black eye and bruising in the assault.

PC Cookson can be contacted on Blackburn 353050.

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