A TEENAGER lost his earlobe after being slashed in the neck in an attempted murder in Hayes.

Police said the 17-year-old was lucky to be alive and are appealing for information about the vicious assault, which happened in Warley Road on Sunday July 24 at about 4pm.

The teen had to have plastic surgery and was in hospital for around a week after he sustained wounds consistent with a knife.

Investigating officer DC Jonathan White, of MPS Hillingdon CID, said: "We are treating this attack as attempted murder and gang-related.

"It caused a horrendous injury removing his earlobe and missing his jugular by millimetres. He is very lucky to be alive."

The long-term consequences of his injuries would not be known for some time.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident and bailed to return to a west London police station next month.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or 0208 246 1854.