A man has only just discovered he was shot in the head five years ago.

Police in Germany said the 35-year-old was hit by a .22-calibre bullet in the town of Herne as he was out in the street partying and drunk on New Year’s Eve in 2005.

They say the man recalled receiving a blow to the head, but told them he did not seek medical assistance at the time.

The bullet did not penetrate the skull, and the man only went to see a doctor recently when he felt a lump on the back of his head.

An X-ray showed an object under his skin, and doctors operated and found the projectile.

Police said it may have been a stray bullet fired by a reveller in celebration.

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