POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a driver was seriously assaulted by another motorist.

The incident happened at 8pm on Monday at the t-junction between Busty Bank and Front Street in Burnopfield, County Durham.

A man, described as between as between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall, with a shaved head and of stocky, muscular build got out of a blue car and approached a Fiat Punto which was behind at the time.

After asking for directions, the man threatened the passenger of the Punto who got out and was seriously assaulted after handing over jewellery and cash.

The attacker has then left the scene in the blue car turning right at the junction and heading off in the direction of Burnopfield Primary School.

Detective Constable Malcolm Ord, from Chester-le-Street serious crime team, said: “We would appeal to anyone who was in area at the time who may have witnessed this attack to come forward and speak to us.

“Attacks of this nature are very rare and we would like to reassure the public that everything is being done to catch the person that did this.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and ask to speak to the Chester-le-Street serious crime team, alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.