A MAN has been arrested after a father had his finger bitten off at a school nativity play.

Shocked parents looked on as the two men fought at Harton Primary School, in South Shields, South Tyneside, before the Christmas performance on Tuesday afternoon.

The 32-year-old victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for his injury before being discharged.

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed yesterday by police.

One witness, who did not wish to be identified, said: "The two men started to fight in front of all the mums and dads.

"One bit the finger off the other and spat the blood out like an animal."

Another witness, the father of one of the children in the play, said teachers intervened to break up the fight.

A spokesman for the school, on East Avenue, said the incident was not witnessed by any of the children, who were preparing for the play in a different part of the school at the time.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "On Tuesday at about 1.50pm an incident occurred at Harton Primary School.

"There was a disturbance between two male parents, and one sustained an injury to his hand which required medical treatment.

"The other man was arrested by police for assault and released on bail."

Anyone who saw the attack or has any information is asked to contact South Tyneside CID on 03456 043 043 ext 66757 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.