A HGV driver was forced to stop his lorry on the A19 by a car before its occupants tried to drag him from the vehicle and assault him, police have said.

Cleveland Police said at about 6.25pm on Monday, April 19 a blue Mercedes pulled across the northbound carriageway, stopping the HGV on a slip road close to Wolviston interchange, near Billingham.

The occupants allegedly tried to drag the driver from the lorry and attempt to assault him.

The driver managed to get back into his vehicle and call police at a nearby services.

Three men aged 22, 23 and 33 have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Officers investigating the incident are appealing for witnesses and dash cam footage.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have dash cam footage which could assist Cleveland Police is asked to call PC David Ryder on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number 061899.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800-555111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org