A WOMAN driver was punched in the face several times by another woman in a road rage incident.
The 19-year-old victim was driving along New Bedford Road towards Luton town centre in a blue Vauxhall Corsa just after 7.30pm on Sunday, July 17, and had just passed the BP garage when a black E registration Alfa Romeo overtook her and braked suddenly.
A woman got out of the passenger side of the Alfa Romeo and grabbed the victim’s hair through an open window and punched her in the face several times.
The man driving the Alfa eventually got out and pulled the offender away. They both returned to the car and drove off towards the town.
The driver of the Alfa Romeo is described as a man with a mixed race appearance, in his 30s, with a chubby build and short dark hair. He wore a checked shirt with a white t-shirt underneath and black trousers.
The woman is described as white, in her late 30s, with a skinny build, shoulder length white curly hair. She wore a light coloured three-quarter length coat and leggings.
The officer investigating this offence, PC Rachael Welch, is keen to trace anyone who saw the assault or anyone who witnessed two further incidents involving the same cars shortly before the assault.
PC Welch said: “We believe this assault is connected to confrontations between the two car drivers only minutes before the assault. “The first happened close to the large roundabout on Bramingham Road where the Corsa had to brake suddenly to avoid a collision.
“The second happened in Northwell Drive when the Alfa Romeo overtook the Corsa and forced it to brake suddenly again.
“The victim has been left shocked by what happened and has suffered severe bruising to her face. I would appeal to other road users and pedestrians to come forward if they witnessed any of these incidents or if they can help identify the driver and passenger of the Alfa Romeo from the descriptions given.”
Anyone with information can contact PC Welch at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394017, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.