A man had his nose, ears and lip bitten off during a “sickening” attack outside a nightclub in Liverpool, police said today.

The 31-year old victim lost part of both ears, his upper lip and part of his nose in the assault by a man outside Funky Box in Liverpool city centre. A second man held bystanders and a bouncer back as his accomplice attacked the man on ground.

The venue has had its alcohol licence suspended by the city council acting on police advice.

Describing CCTV footage of the attack, which happened at 6.20am last Saturday, PC Stuart Moore told Liverpool’s licensing committee: “It is horrific, sickening and it is almost barbaric, what takes place.”

“The footage shows a fight between two males. The victim and the assailant could be seen brawling in the street. Both males fall to the floor and there’s a struggle.



“A second male appears to be protecting the people involved to make sure the fight continues and the assailant starts reigning blows. There are nine consecutive punches while he lies on the floor.



“The assailant can be seen to place his head down by the victim. He starts eating away at his face and his head. The male has had his two ears bitten off, part of his nose bitten off and half of his lip bitten off.



“The attack reminded me of a lion wrenching the flesh off a gazelle.”



Merseyside Police said the victim, from the Wavertree area of Liverpool, remains in hospital where he is expected to undergo reconstructive surgery.

Laurence Richard McGinn (28), of Sherry Court, Aigburth, Liverpool, was charged with Section 18 wounding and remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on November 28th.

A 27-year-old man, from Toxteth, was also arrested in connection with the assault and is on police bail pending further inquiries.

PA