Man's ear cut off in street row

A man had his ear sliced off following a row, police said today.

The 53-year-old's left ear was hacked off after a van was deliberately driven at him and knocked him down in Salford, Greater Manchester.

The man was in Choral Grove, Lower Broughton, when a white van was driven at him twice at around 1.40am.

He staggered into nearby Arrow Street and was followed by the van driver, who then sliced the ear off his "cowering victim", Greater Manchester Police said.

The man staggered home and called an ambulance. He is now recovering in hospital.

Detective Constable Joanne Little, of Salford CID, said: "This was a gruesome attack on a man in the street.

"The level of violence used was shocking and, in some respects, we are fortunate not to be dealing with a murder.

"At this stage we only know that there was some kind of dispute so we need people to come forward with more information to help us catch those responsible."

Anyone with information can contact Salford CID on 0161 856 5351 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.