Police hunt thugs who left motorist with serious facial injuries near Stotfold

DETECTIVES are appealing to motorists in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire for help after a road rage assault near Stotfold that left a man with serious facial injuries.

It happened between 2.40pm and 2.45pm last Thursday at the first lay-by on the A507 when travelling from Baldock services roundabout towards Stotfold.

The victim, a man in his 50s driving a blue VW Golf, was approached by two younger men who got out of a dark blue Renault Clio with two vertical white stripes below the bumper.

Police say they shouted and swore at the victim before punching him in the face and hitting him with a metal pipe. They made off and the victim drove home where he was taken to the Lister Hospital and treated for injuries including a fractured eye socket and jaw.

DS Jim Pemberton, who is investigating the attack, said both offenders were white. The driver was aged 19 to 21, about 6ft 2ins tall, slim with light brown shaven hair and stubble on his face. His passenger was 25 to 30, stocky, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins tall with short black hair, which was gelled forward.

Ds Pemberton is keen to speak to anyone who saw the assault, or the drivers of cars driving northbound on the A1 from the Letchworth Gate junction.

DS Pemberton said: "This was a violent attack by two young men on an older motorist who, despite being discharged from hospital, still faces the prospect of more treatment.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident, saw either car travelling, or knows who the offenders are or recognises the car.

"It's also possible someone may have heard the offenders bragging or talking about the incident, in which case we would urge them to contact us."

Anyone with information can contact DS Pemberton, in confidence, on 01234 841212, telephone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or text to 07786 200011.