Woman left shaken after road rage attack

The woman, in her late 40s, was pulling out of a friend's drive in Netherfield Hill just after 7pm on Sunday July 11 when a passing vehicle, believed to be an X-Reg black Mazda MX5, braked in anticipation of her entering the road.

The Mazda driver, a man in his late 30s, gestured and shouted obscene abuse at the woman, but did not get out of his car.

Both vehicles then drove off into London Road.

But when they reached the roundabout at the junction with Battle High Street, the man, who was ahead of the woman, used his car to block her path.

He got out the vehicle and started to shout abuse at the victim again before trying to hit her through the open window.

He only caught a glancing blow and the woman was not injured. The thug then punched the closed passenger window and spat on the windscreen.

He stood in front of the car and the frightened victim was forced to drive around him to get away.

The man is described as being about 5'10", of medium build, with fair hair, wearing a brown T-shirt and beige cropped shorts.

PC Donna Powell, of Battle Police, said: "This was a frightening experience for the woman, who was on her own in the car.

"Regardless of any dispute about driving, the man's conduct was threatening and violent.

"We are still investigating and want to hear from anyone who thinks they may know who this man is.

"Anyone who saw the incident is also asked to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999, quoting serial number 1678 of July 11.