Police are appealing for information after a man had part of his ear bitten off in Morecambe in an assault in December.

Between 6.40 and 7pm on Monday 13th December 2010, the owner of Central Car Sales on Whitegate, White Lund Industrial Estate was assaulted at the premises.

Four men approached the 28-year-old victim on the garage forecourt and began to punch and kick him before making off. During the attack, which was completely unprovoked, one of the offenders bit part of the victim’s ear off.

He was originally taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary but was transferred to Royal Preston Hospital the next morning, receiving eight stitches to his ear.

DC Paul Donnelly said: “This was a particularly nasty, unprovoked attack. I don’t believe it was completely random and I believe the attackers may have known their victim.

“Unfortunately, due to the ferocity of the assault, the victim hasn’t been able to provide us with any descriptions of the offenders, but we would appeal to anybody who may have been in the area at the time, who may have seen something, to come forward.

“I would also like to speak with anybody who has any information at all that could help with this investigation to come forward.”

• Anybody with any information should contact police on 01524 596526 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.