THE victim of a road rage attack is to be taken to see a car police believe may have been involved in a similar incident in the past.

Early last Wednesday, the 26-year-old was slashed with a knife and beaten around the head by another motorist.

The attack followed the victim flashing his lights and beeping his horn in annoyance at the other driver overtaking him on a bend, at about 12.45am, between West Auckland and Darlington.

Both vehicles were travelling towards Darlington when the other car, a small, white Peugeot-style vehicle, passed him in the Toytop area.

In the attack, the victim, from West Auckland, County Durham, was cut on the arm and face and received bruising to the head.

Detectives in Darlington have been alerted to a vehicle they believe has been used in a similar incident in the past.

The victim is to be taken to see the car, to identify it or eliminate it from inquiries.

"We have had a good response to our appeals for information, and we are hoping to take the man to look at a vehicle which has been mentioned," said Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police.

In the attack, between Toytop Farm and Sunnydale Farm, the knifeman only spoke three words, cursing the victim.

The suspect is in his 30s, white, about 6ft and of stocky build. He had short, dark hair and two or three gold-coloured hooped earrings in each ear.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.