A thug deliberately drove a car at a 53-year-old man before slicing his left ear off.

The victim is now recovering in hospital after the brutal attack which occurred in the street in Lower Broughton early yesterday morning.

At about 1.40am, the victim was on Choral Grove when a white van was driven at him twice, knocking him to the ground.

The victim staggered onto nearby Arrow Street, but the van followed him. The driver then got out of the van, walked up to the cowering victim and sliced off his left ear.

The victim managed to stagger to his nearby house and call an ambulance. He was taken to hospital where he is being treated today.

Detective constable Joanne Little, of Salford CID, said "This was a gruesome attack on a man in the street.

"The level of violence used was shocking and, in some respects, we are fortunate not to be dealing with a murder.

"At this stage we only know that there was some kind of dispute so we need people to come forward with more information to help us catch those responsible."

Anyone with information can contact Salford CID on 0161 856 5351 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.