Tendring District Council's Beach Patrol team went to the aid of a man after he had part of his ear bitten off in a fight.

The fight broke out amongst a group of about ten men and woman who were down near the West Beach at Clacton.

Two of the men - who were both from Colchester - were involved in the scrap while the others watched.

Beach Patrol Billy Freeman spotted the incident and called for help from the rest of team who were getting ready to close up their office just before 6pm last Friday 25th July.

By the time they got to the group, one of the men was running off and Seafront Warden Jon Shipman gave chase. He followed the man into the town but lost him.

Beach Patrol Beth White said that Billy, Beach Patrol Steve Duggan and Seafront Warden Michelle Pointing went to help the injured man who was still with the group.

"He had half his ear bitten off and there was a lot of blood," said Beth. "He was initially in shock and it appeared that he had been drinking."

Beth called for an ambulance and the Police who were on the scene within minutes.

"However, as the man came out of shock he became quite abusive and the Paramedic was unable to treat him," she added.

"The team had managed to bandage up his ear and head and tried to reassure him throughout.

"The injured man was advised to go to Clacton Hospital for further treatment but whether he did so or not, we don't know. It was a very nasty injury."

TDC Seafront Manager, Tim Sutton, said that some of the team had also been involved in two sea rescues in the past week.

"This just goes to show the variety of incidents that they have to deal with throughout the summer," he said.

"Once again they handled in the incident in a very professional manner and helped the injured man - as much as they could."