A TEENAGE boy had part of his ear bitten off as he tried to break up a fight in Bournemouth town centre.

The victim, a 17-year-old from Christchurch, was also hit on the head with a bottle as he tried to stop a fight between two groups of people in Old Christchurch Road at 1.40am on Wednesday, February 15.

Police investigating the attack have now released CCTV of four people they wish to speak to.

Officers had been called to reports that a fight had broken out.

It is believed that a woman threw a bottle at the teenager and a man bit him on the ear during the row.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment. His condition is not life-threatening.

Detective Constable Karen Penn, of Bournemouth CID, said: "This was a vicious assault on a teenage boy and I am keen to locate the people pictured in the CCTV image as I believe they may have information that could assist my investigation.

"I would urge anyone who recognises them to please contact Dorset Police. Alternatively, if you are pictured please come forward.

"I understand the offenders may have got into a waiting taxi on Old Christchurch Road and I would like to hear from this taxi driver as they may have information about the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55170023005.