POLICE have arrested two people on suspicion of attempted murder after an attack in which a man had part of his ears chewed off.

The 30-year-old victim was left with half of one ear and a third of his other ear chewed off following the assault at a house in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, last Friday night.

He also sustained a broken nose, a possible fractured cheekbone and other facial injuries.

The man was initially treated at Darlington Memorial Hospital before being transferred to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, for plastic surgery.

He has now been released from hospital and police last night said he remained "distressed and in considerable pain".

Two men, aged 25 and 30, both from Newton Aycliffe, attended the town's police station of their own accord yesterday.

They were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and making threats to kill. Police were last night questioning both men in connection with the assault.