A motorist needed 20 stitches to his face after he was hit with a heavy implement during a road rage incident in Bradford.

Police believe the 54-year-old victim may have been struck with something similar to a car jack in the violent argument.

A row broke out when the complainant, who was driving a silver Toyota Avensis, was forced to swerve as another car, believed to be a black Seat Leon, cut him up.

The two drivers pulled over in Gaynor Street, off City Road, near the city centre, and there was a further verbal altercation and arm-waving, before the complainant was hit in the face with a heavy object as he walked back to his car.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault at about 4.30pm, on Tuesday, January 10. They have only just released details of the incident.

The victim was treated at hospital for a serious cut to his face.

PC Mereda Broadbent said: “It is important that we quickly trace the driver of the vehicle, which is believed to be a black Seat Leon. This was a particularly vicious and unnecessary attack on a 54-year-old man which has left him with 20 stitches to his face.

“Such an attack can have a serious personal and emotional impact on the victim.

“We want to hear from anyone who may have seen this incident, or who has any information about the driver who made off from the scene.”

The suspect is described as an Asian man, in his early to mid twenties, around 5ft 7ins, and was wearing a grey cardigan.

PC Broadbent added: “From our CCTV inquiries, we have also recovered an image of a black vehicle which was travelling along the road at that time. Do you remember seeing this vehicle and its driver, or even the manner in which it was being driven?

“If you do, and can help us in our investigations to trace the man responsible for this assault, please contact the non emergency number, 101, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.”