A man is recovering after a vicious assault in Co Kildare during which he was forced to eat part of his own ear after it was cut off.
The 21-year-old local man was set upon by a number of people in Newbridge in the early hours of Monday morning and beaten with a hammer and metal bar.
He sustained injuries to his head, jaw and leg as well as losing part of his ear.
The incident took place on Eyre Street shortly before 1am.
Speaking to KFM Garda John Joe O’Connell said: "Part of this man’s ear was cut off and he was actually forced to eat it, that’s how serious this is."
He said gardaí in Newbridge were following a definite line of inquiry and appealed for anyone with any information to come forward.
"If it happened in my family I’d want someone to come forward with information."
Anyone with information is asked to contact gardaí at Newbridge on 045-431212.
The man was taken to Naas General hospital following the assault but has since been released.