Student’s ear bitten off during attack in Cork city

Gardaí are following a definite line of inquiry after a student had one of his ears bitten off during a savage early morning assault.

Detectives were waiting yesterday for medical clearance to interview the victim of the crazed attack in Cork City in the early hours of yesterday.

The 22-year-old CIT student from Ballincollig was among a group of young men when a row erupted in a fast-food outlet on South Main St at around 2.45am. The row spilled outside, where the student received several punches to his face.

But onlookers were horrified when the attacker lunged forward, bit and ripped the student’s left ear from his head, before fleeing on foot.

The injured man was rushed to Cork University Hospital. Gardaí recovered his severed ear and the victim underwent emergency surgery to reattach it, but it will be some time before it’s known if the operation was a success.

Gardaí closed off a section of South Main St and detectives were yesterday examining CCTV footage.

Supt Barry McPolin appealed for witnesses to contact the Bridewell Garda Station on 021 4943330, or any Garda station.