Man has nose bitten off on Tube

A software engineer had his nose severed and needed 19 stitches after he was bitten during a late-night, mid-week attack on the Tube in a row over putting his feet on the seats, police said today.

The 31-year-old victim was left "with half his nose bitten off" and required emergency treatment.

British Transport Police released CCTV footage of the well-dressed suspect walking along the platform at Turnpike Lane after the attack, at 11.30pm on Wednesday, 6 February.

One officer said: "This was particularly nasty. The only time I've heard of this type of incident happening was when Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear in the boxing ring."

Both men had travelled from King's Cross on the northbound Victoria line and then changed onto the Piccadilly line at Finsbury Park when the argument developed.

A fight broke out and the attacker, dressed in a suit and tie, bit the man on the train between Manor House and Turnpike Lane station.

The victim is likely to be scarred for life, but suffered no other injury.

Police believe the suspect, who is white, in his late twenties, 5ft 10in tall, and with an English accent, is an office worker and may live near Turnpike Lane. He has a black ponytail, possibly dyed, and was clean shaven except for some hair on his bottom lip.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 7391 5275 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.