Gardai sealed off a Dublin city area on Tuesday night as a manhunt was launched to uncover the savage who ripped a man's ear off using their teeth.
The victim of the attack was rushed to hospital after having part of his ear chewed off during the brutal and bloody attack on Fleet Street last night.
Officers were alerted to the scene after the man was assaulted by the vile attacker while in the area near Temple Bar at around 9pm.
The man, who is in his 40s, was immediately taken to St. James's Hospital where he is still recovering from his injuries.
The path around the street was covered in bloodstains as Gardai carried out forensic examinations at the scene.
A witness appeal has been launched with anyone who may have seen the incident or been in the area at the time of the attack to come forward.
A Garda spokeswoman told Dublin Live: "Pearse Street Gardai are investigating an assault that occurred at approximately 9pm, yesterday evening 9th February.
"A man in his 40s was injured during the assault and was taken to St. James's Hospital for treatment."
She added: "No arrests have been made and Garda investigations are ongoing."
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