A road rage victim today told how a simple mistake made his attacker go "absolutely ballistic".

Clive, who did not want to give his surname for fear of reprisal, was driving to his girlfriend's home in Leigh when he accidentally cut up a BMW yards from Barclays Bank, in London Road, Hadleigh.

The 29-year-old, from Canvey, said nothing could have prepared him for what happened next.

He said: "The man revved up his engine and screeched around in front of me and came to a halt so I had to stop. He got out of his car and headed for mine shouting and screaming like a madman, so I locked my door.

"He was going absolutely ballistic so after a little while I thought I would get out to try and calm him down."

Clive only had time to put one foot on the road before his attacker went for his jugular.

He said: "He got hold of my throat and lifted me off my feet. I ended up being arched backwards over my roof with this madman trying to punch me."

Moments later, a woman jumped out of the BMW. Clive said: "She told him to get off me but he was having none of it. She got in between us and I was trying to push him away while he was trying to scramble over her to get at me.

"Then she gave me a clout round the face as well!"

Clive broke free and tried to get back in his Beetle when the woman slammed his leg in the door. When he did get inside, his ordeal was still not over as the man started kicking his door.

Clive, left with cuts and bruises on his face and a bruised leg, drove to Southend police station. His attacker drove an S-registration black BMW 318i estate and is aged around 45, stocky, 5ft 6in with shaven balding hair. The woman was around the same age and height with long dark hair.

Anyone with information on the road rage last Wednesday should call police on 01268 756221.

Published Monday, June 16, 2003

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