Vicious road rage attack

A motorist was taken to hospital today after he was assaulted by up to three men in a road rage attack in Lichfield.

The 37-year-old, from the city, was driving to work when he was involved in an altercation with the driver of a yellow Ford Transit van.

The victim was in a blue Ford Focus car and both vehicles were understood to be travelling in the same direction along Trent Valley Road.

The incident took place at the roundabout junction with Valley Lane at around 6.45am.Both cars stopped and two or three men got out of the van.

They attacked the Focus driver, who suffered head injuries and bruises.

The van then drove away from the scene.

Staffordshire Police spokesman Peter Stevens said: "It looks like this was a road rage incident.

"It is unclear at this stage what sparked the incident off, but whatever it was, this was an unplanned, nasty and quite a serious attack on a 37-year-old motorist driving to work."

He added: "We are very keen to trace the occupants of this vehicle as quickly as possible."

Police requested an ambulance and the victim was taken to Sutton Coldfield's Good Hope Hospital for treatment.

Staffordshire Ambulance Service spokesman Bob Lee said he had suffered severe facial injuries.

The man's injuries are, however, not thought to be life threatening.

Police are appealing for information from anyone who can help them trace the occupants of the yellow Transit van.

Officers want to speak to any witnesses who can help with the investigation and anyone who saw which direction the van drove off in. Anyone with information is asked to call Pc Dave Russell at Lichfield police station on 08453 302010.

By Victoria Hoe