The shocking incident happened on South Promenade outside McDonald's as people arrived in town for last Friday night's Illuminations Switch-On celebrations.

Police say the 23-year-old victim was attacked during a fight between five or six men.

Det Con Sean Burrell, of Blackpool CID, said: "This was a nasty attack during which the victim sustained a serious injury to his thumb.

"While his thumb wasn't hanging off after the incident there were deep cut which were serious enough to need surgery.

"He now also has concerns over whether his attacker was a drug user or may have passed on any diseases when he was bitten.

"We are looking for anybody who may have seen the incident to get in touch and report what they know."

Police said the digit was "partially severed" in the attack which occurred at around 1am on Friday morning.

The victim, who is from the Blackpool area, was taken to the resort's Victoria Hospital before being transferred to Royal Preston Hospital for emergency surgery on the injured thumb.

Detectives have since confirmed that the surgery was successful and the victim was now recuperating at home.

Since the attack, officers have looked at possible CCTV of the incident and interviewed witnesses who were in the area at the time.

Two men have been arrested and interviewed and have since been released on police bail while inquiries are continuing. Police are hunting a third man who they wish to speak to in connection with this incident.
Anyone with information can contact Blackpool Police on (01253) 293933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.