Dublin, Ireland

Tuesday, 19 May 2009

British holidaymaker 'bit off Latvian bouncer's ear'

Latvian police say a Briton who bit off a bouncer's ear in a bar fight could face criminal charges.

Police say the 32-year-old British tourist claimed he was given a huge bill in a night club in Riga despite having paid cash for each drink. When he refused to pay the tab, three guards barricaded the exit and a fight erupted.

Police spokeswoman Sigita Pildava says that in the ensuing ruckus the British man broke a bouncer's jaw and bit his ear off. She says doctors were unable to reattach the ear.

Pildava said Tuesday an investigation is under way and police might charge the man for destruction of property and inflicting bodily damage.

Police say the British man, whom they did not name, has left Latvia and returned home.