In a bizarre incident in China, an man reportedly bit off his estranged wife's nose and ate it after she did not pick up his calls.

The gruesome incident occurred in the city of Dezhou, China. The couple got into a fight after the woman did not answer her estranged husband's calls after a late shift at work earlier this week.

Photo: Patrika

Enraged, he apparently stormed into her work place the following day and attacked her, biting off her nose and then swallowing it, People's Daily Online reported.

The woman, identified only as Yang, told Shangdong Television station, "And the next thing I knew, he pushed my head and ate my nose in one go."

Doctors have claimed that the damage to Yang's nose is so severe that she will require extensive surgery. Almost her entire nose, including the nasal septum, soft triangle and nose tip, were eaten.

Photo: Patrika

Surgeons believe it will be at least three months before her nose can be cosmetically reconstructed, British daily The Independent reported.

The couple, who were both divorcees when they married, appeared to have had a tumultuous relationship.

Photo: Patrika

According to local news reports, Yang claims her husband who had two grown-up children from his previous marriage attempted to sell the couple's child so she could care for his grandchildren. When Yang refused, the couple separated, although she claims he continued to call her regularly.

Police are reportedly attempting to locate her husband, who remains at large.

(with inputs from PTI)