A MAN had his ear bitten when he was attacked in Accrington Market Hall.

The sustained assault by David Ellis, 44, on Philip McNicholas was watched by stunned shoppers and caught on CCTV.

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The 31-year-old victim needed hospital treatment and it was thought he might need surgery to repair the ‘serious injury’ to his right ear.

Ellis, of Wordsworth Close, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

He was sentenced to 32 months in prison and handed a restraining order when he appeared at Burnley Crown Court.

The CCTV footage shows how Ellis grabs Mr McNicholas, who was working at the time of the attack, in a ‘bear hug,’ before wrestling with him.

The fracas lasts several minutes while shoppers watch on in shock.

Speaking after the sentencing, a police spokeswoman said : “The victim and the offender were known to each other.

“Ellis accused Mr McNicholas of stealing from him and other people.

“The victim said he was working at the market, but the offender continued to be aggressive towards the victim.”

As the argument continued, Ellis threw a punch at Mr McNicholas, but missed.

The punch was returned, but Mr McNicholas also did not make contact with Ellis.

The spokeswoman added: “The victim tried to run away and the offender followed him and cornered him outside the market hall.

“The victim was trying to defend himself.

“The altercation continued and that is when Ellis bit Mr McNicholas’s ear.

“It caused serious injuries.

“The victim went to hospital and it was thought he might need surgery.”

Former mayor, Cllr Tony Dobson, who represents the Barnfield ward on Hyndburn Council, said such violence should be deplored.

He continued: “This is completely unacceptable and we certainly do not want it happening in Accrington.

“The other thing I would say is that this kind of violence is rare and crime figures for Hyndburn are on the decrease, but we want them to keep going down.”

Councillors this week have spoken of their fears that half of stalls on Accrington’s outdoor market have lain empty this winter.