A FIREFIGHTER underwent emergency plastic surgery yesterday after part of his ear was bitten off when he answered a 999 call.

Chris Williams, 27, had a lump of flesh about an inch in size torn from his right ear. The piece was not found.

Chris was a member of a fire crew called to a car blaze at Rushyford, near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, at 11.40pm on Wednesday.

The driver of the Ford Fiesta and a number of young men from the Chilton and Ferryhill areas were at the scene. Police left the area when firefighters managed to get the blaze, caused by an electrical fault, under control.

After they left, a disturbance broke out between the group of men and the crew, resulting in Chris, from Chester-le-Street, having his ear bitten.

He was taken to Durham's Dryburn Hospital with blood pouring from the wound.

Chris, who is unmarried but has a girlfriend, saw a specialist at Shotley Bridge Hospital yesterday and was later operated on.

Divisional Officer Ian Dockerty, of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade, said: "Chris and the other lads had put out the fire and were clearing away their equipment.

"One young man suddenly emerged from behind a bus stop in an agitated state and started trying to punch two of the crew

"Chris got hold of him in an attempt to stop him and he bit into his ear. This was an unprovoked attack on a lad who was just carrying out his duty serving the public."

Durham county councillor Tony Moore, a member of the local fire authority, is to write to Prime Minister Tony Blair calling for tough action against people who attack the emergency services.

He said: "Their jobs are stressful enough without them worrying about being attacked."

Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Watson said: "This was a horrific attack. We would like people to come forward with any information they may have about this incident."

Telephone detectives on 01325-314 401 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

l Last night, 23-year-old Lee Atkinson, of Osbourne Gardens, Ferryhill, was charged with wounding. He was bailed to appear before Sedgefield magistrates on Wednesday.