A MAN had to have his top lip stitched back on after he was bitten by a thug in a bar room brawl.

The 21-year-old's lip was left hanging off after the attacker grabbed him in a bear hug and took a bite out of his face.

He was taken to hospital following the horrific attack at the Orchid Lounge, on Portland Street, Manchester.

Police say the man was trying to be a 'peacemaker' after his girlfriend got into a row with the attacker.

They have released CCTV footage of a man they want to question about the attack.

Det Con Emma Wild, based at Grey Mare Lane CID, said: "This was a vicious and mindless assault on a young man who was merely trying to calm down a volatile situation and protect his girlfriend. Unfortunately, in trying to play peacemaker he came up against a man who resorted to violence and bit part of the victim's top lip off.

Attacker

"Although this crime happened several months ago, the victim will never forget what happened to him and we are doing everything we can to find his attacker. The CCTV pictures are very clear and if someone does recognise this man, please come forward."

The man was in the bar when his girlfriend got into the row with the thug. Her boyfriend tried to calm down the situation but the argument carried on.

He then tried to break it up at the top of the stairs leading out of the bar, but the thug punched him, grabbed him and bit his top lip.

Door staff intervened and pulled the pair apart. The man's top lip was stitched back on at hospital.

The attacker was 5ft 10in, in his early 20s and stocky. He had shaven hair and widely-spaced eyes. He was wearing jeans and a grey top.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened on October 12 last year, should call police on 0161 856 3540 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.