Detectives at Musgrave Station are appealing for witnesses following a report of an assault in Belfast city centre in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, April 26.

Detective Sergeant McCartan said: “Shortly after midnight, a report was received of two males fighting in the Royal Avenue area.

“Officers attended, and located a male who had had part of his ear bitten off.

“He had also sustained injuries to his cheek bone and mouth, and there was a substantial amount of dried blood over his face.

“The assailant has been described as being of a heavy build, with strawberry blonde / blonde hair, and was dressed in grey bottoms.

“It is also understood that he was not wearing a top at the time of the altercation.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident, or who may have captured any dash cam or mobile phone footage, to call detectives on 101 and quote reference number 5 of 26/04/22.”

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.