AFGHAN MAN CUTS OFF WIFES NOSE

Police in central Afghanistan are searching for a man who allegedly cut off part of his wife's nose with a kitchen knife.

The woman, thought to be 20, is in hospital. Officials say the man has reportedly assaulted his wife before.

Although such mutilation is rare in Afghanistan, reports of violence against women are increasing.

Last year the country's Human Rights Commission said violence against women rose by almost 25%, compared with 2012.

The names of the couple have not been released but police in Daykundi Province say the man attacked his wife after a heated argument.

"The husband cut his wife's nose with a kitchen knife," said Muhammad Ali Atai of the Provincial Crime Branch in Daykundi.

"Police transferred her to hospital. But her husband escaped from the area and is still at large."

The woman's family has not commented on what happened and details are sketchy.