AN Ilminster father had half his ear bitten off during a terryfing doorstep attack in the early hours of Christmas Day.

He and two of his sons were left needing hospital treatment following the attack at Blackdown View at around 1am.

The man's wife, who does not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said she thought the attack was unprovoked.

Police say the incident may be a case of mistaken identity and could be linked to an assault outside an Ilminster pub a few hours earlier.

Investigations are continuing (January 7).