A TEENAGER was left with half of his ear hanging off after being hit over the head with a pool cue in a vicious pub attack.

Police said the attack on the 17-year-old happened at 11.40pm on Sunday in the Toll Bar, Accrington Road, Intack, Blackburn.

The victim, from the Fishmoor area of the town, and a friend had been enjoying an evening playing pool in the pub while their girlfriends watched.

The pair played a doubles game, which they lost, with two strangers.

About 10 to 15 minutes after the match, one of the strangers, thought to be 21 years old, picked up a cue and clubbed the left side of the victim's head, said police.

"The bottom half of his left ear was hanging off," said Det Con Dan Perkins.

"This was a vicious unprovoked attack with a weapon that happened for no apparent reason.

"He had substantial cuts to his ear and required 30 stitches."

DC Perkins said to his knowledge the match had been amicable and appealed for any witnesses to come forward or for the attacker to turn himself in.

He said after attacking the teenager, the man then punched another drinker as he escaped with his pal.

He said the incidents happened in full view of other drinkers and he was confident the attacker would be tracked down.

The attacker was white, stocky and 5ft 11ins tall.

He had short, dark, gelled hair and was wearing casual clothes.

His friend, who is thought to be aged around 20, was white, of medium build, 5ft 10ins tall. He had short, gelled ginger hair.

Anyone with information should call Blackburn CID on 01254 353564.