A Ballymena man had his ear bitten off during what appeared to be a sectarian attack in the Co Antrim town, it was revealed today.
The 21-year-old, wearing a Rangers FC top, was walking his dog when he was targeted by two men, one of whom was wearing Celtic colours of green and white stripes.
The PSNI said the victim of the attack was near the Waveney Youth Centre on the Doury Road on Wednesday evening when he was approached.
He alleged both men made sectarian remarks, including calling him an Orange Bastard, before assaulting him.
During the struggle his left ear was bitten off, said police.
The man took his ear to hospital where doctors managed to sew it back on.
Police appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.
One of the assailants was described as being about 5ft 4in in height and of a medium build. He was wearing a green and white striped top. The other man was shorter and wearing blue jeans and blue top.
PA