An asylum seeker had his lips, ears and eyelids ripped off by another migrant before being stabbed in both eyes in a horrific attack at a German refugee centre.

The bloody assault happened in the town of Schlüchtern not far from Frankfurt in central Germany.

Police believe some of the victim's facial features were bitten off and he was left blinded after being stabbed in both eyeballs.

An asylum seeker had his lips, ears and eyelids ripped off by another migrant before being stabbed in both eyes in a horrific attack at a German refugee centre (file picture)

A resident in the refugee accommodation heard loud screams from the home of the perpetrator and called police last Friday evening.

Officers broke down the door and seized a bloodstained 19-year-old who was sitting on his 18-year-old victim.

Jürgen Heinze, Hanau prosecutor, said the victim was also stabbed in the throat and the eyeballs. It remains unclear whether his sight can be saved.

The victim, a Somalian, was attacked by a man from Eritrea. The cause of the dispute is unclear although prosecutor did say some 'ritualistic' elements to the assault could not be ruled out.

The bloody assault happened in the town of Schlüchtern (pictured) not far from Frankfurt in central Germany

The 18-year-old was taken to a specialist clinic. His life is not in danger but he remains in deep shock and unaware of his environment.

The attacker is being held on assault and attempted manslaughter charges which prosecutors say may be upgraded to attempted murder.

'The investigating authorities have never experienced here before this form of violence. The victim was cruelly mutilated and must reckon with permanent damage. It is unclear whether the man permanently blinded,' said a police spokesman.