A MAN needed eight stitches after being repeatedly punched in the head in a road-rage attack.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack near Churchill Way in Nelson at around 9am on Thursday May 24.

A black Volkswagen Golf went onto the hard shoulder and undertook a silver Fiat pickup truck as it was overtaking a lorry between J13 and 12 of the M65.

Both drivers exited the motorway near to Churchill Way and as the pickup truck driver was getting out of his vehicle, the Golf driver punched him in the face several times.

A spokesman for the police said: “We are appealing for information after a driver was assaulted during a road rage incident in Nelson.

“A black Volkswagen Golf has gone on to the hard shoulder and undertaken a silver Fiat pickup truck as it was overtaking a lorry between J13 and 12 of the M65.”

PC Carla Martin said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack made worse by the fact it was the Golf driver who we suspect was driving dangerously.

“I am asking anyone who may have seen a black Golf being driven dangerously before or after the assault, or indeed anyone who may have witnessed the attack, to come forward. Similarly if you recognise the description of the driver, please get in touch.

“We know that someone stopped at the scene and so we are particularly keen to speak to them.

“If this was you please make contact with the police as you could have some key information that could assist with our investigation.”

Call 07816 215303 or if you fail to get an answer, 101, quoting crime number EG1804512.