A TEENAGER is recovering in hospital after a vicious assault which left him with part of his ear bitten off.

The 19-year-old was walking through the subway between Gala Bingo and the Bus Station, Centenary Way, Burnley at about midnight on Friday when he was attacked.

The thugs were part of a five-strong gang, one of whom approached the victim as he walked past and offered to shake his hand.

The teenager was then grabbed and punched to the floor where his right ear was bitten.

A girl member of the gang also joined in the assault.

Following the beating, the victim was taken to Burnley General Hospital and later transferred to Royal Preston Hospital where he was yesterday due to undergo an operation.

Police called to the scene recovered the tip of the victim's ear, which surgeons were endeavouring to sew on.

Detectives are now hunting for the gang of three boys and two girls and appealing for witnesses who may have seen them in the subway before the attack.

The main assailant is described as a white male, 6ft, aged 19-21, skinny, with short black hair and wearing blue jeans and a black or blue zip-up top.

The female attacker was 5ft 6in, plump, with brown collar-length hair and wearing a white top, blue jeans and white stiletto shoes.

Insp Dave Croll, of Burnley police, said: "This was a particularly nasty attack and we would appeal for anyone who may have seen this gang to come forward.

"I would also appeal to members of the group who did not take part in the assault and who may be upset at what happened to search their consciences, do the right thing and come and speak to us."

Anyone with information can contact Burnley police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.