A university student had his ear 'bitten off' as he tried to save his younger brother who was being attacked by a thug outside a concert.
Liam Sephton, 23, stepped in to help Mark, 18, after a man started biting the younger brother outside the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday following a Roger Waters gig, according to their family.
But the thug then savaged the older brother who went to hospital and was told by medics his ear couldn't be saved. He's awaiting reconstructive surgery, his mother said. Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
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The brothers, from Whiston in Liverpool, had been to see Roger Waters perform at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, June 10, when they were subjected to a horrific attack. The incident unfolded after the brothers headed back to the arena's multi storey car park at around 11pm to meet their parents Sarah and Mark, who also attended the concert, the Liverpool Echo reports.
After Liam and Mark entered the car park lift, Sarah said a man started swearing and shouting abuse at them.
Sarah, 43, said: "We weren't sat together in the Arena but we agreed to meet up in the car park afterwards. We were looking for them, it was very busy. There was lots of people in the lift when the incident started taking place, and a few people jumped in to try and help them because the fella was just totally out for a fight.
"It was unprovoked. As they were walking out the lift he's just grabbed my youngest son, who's 18, and started biting his arms.
"Everyone was trying to help."
As Liam stepped in to try and help Mark, Sarah said the man: 'completely bit his ear off'. She added: "He was trying to save his little brother."
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were called to reports of a disturbance at Trinity Way, Manchester, at around 11pm on Saturday. An investigation is now underway and police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area before, during or after the incident who may have witnessed anything.
No arrests have been made at this stage, police said. Liam and Mark were taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary after the attack, before Liam was transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital to undergo surgery to reattach his ear.
However, after being taken into theatre, Liam was told the devastating news his ear couldn't be saved. The 23-year-old must now wait for the stitches on his wound to heal before he can be referred for reconstructive surgery.
Sarah said both of her sons are studying architecture at university, with Liam due to graduate this summer. She added: "We'd had a really good time at the concert and they bought souvenirs on their way out. They love Pink Floyd and Roger Waters and for this to happen at the end of it - it's just life-changing."
A GMP spokesperson said: "At around 11pm on Saturday 10 June, Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a disturbance at Trinity Way, Manchester. A 23-year-old man received serious injuries, but they are not believed to be life threatening.
"No arrests have been made at this time. An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances and police are now appealing for further information.
"Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area before, during or after the incident who may have witnessed anything."
Detective Constable Redman of GMP City of Manchester district said: "We are following a number of lines of enquiry in relation to this incident, but we are keen to speak to anyone who may have information that could assist. If you have any CCTV, mobile, or dashcam footage, please share it with police. No matter how small the information may seem – it could be vital for our investigation."
Information can be shared by calling GMP on 101 quoting log 4139 of 10/06/2023. Information can be reported online using the GMP livechat function at: www.gmp.police.uk or through the independent charity Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111.
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