FORMER Casualty star Clive Mantle is recovering after having part of his ear bitten off while staying at a North-East hotel.

The 55-year-old actor has been appearing in The Ladykillers at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle.

It is understood the incident took place after he asked a man to keep the noise down outside his room at the Travelodge on Foster Street in Newcastle, shortly before 5am on Sunday.

Mr Mantle’s spokesman said: “A scuffle ensued resulting in Clive having his left ear partially bitten off.”

Police and paramedics were called and Mr Mantle was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary by ambulance, where he underwent emergency surgery.

It is unclear whether Mr Mantle, who also appears in US series Game of Thrones, will be able to continue in the play as part of a national tour.

His spokesman added: “Clive doesn't yet know when he will be able to rejoin the cast of The Ladykillers and feels he must mention the ambulance crew, police and hospital staff who were all superb”

Mr Mantle was playing the title role of Major Courtney at the Newcastle theatre and had just finished a week long run on Saturday night.

A Theatre Royal spokesperson said: “It is such a shame as he is a lovely man. It is very sad news. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”

* Philip McGilvray, 32, of Arbroath Grove, Hamilton in Scotland, has been charged with wounding with intent and is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on April 12.

Another man has been released on bail and a third man released without charge.