A DRIVER was knocked unconscious in front of his wife during a road rage attack.

The 39-year-old victim had reached the roundabout on the south side of Sunderland's Wearmouth Bridge, when he accidentally drove his Nissan Sunny in front of a white Ford Escort van.

The van forced the car off the roundabout and it pulled into a layby behind British Home Stores, on St Mary's Way.

Then the van driver attacked the man through his open car window, punching and grabbing him by the throat.

The victim's wife, who was a passenger got out of the car and started screaming for help.

As the attacker approached her, her husband went to her aid and was knocked out. The attacker fled in his van.

Detective Inspector John Watts, of Sunderland City CID, said the man was recovering at home in Pallion, Sunderland, but was still shocked.

He urged people to come forward with information about the attack, on Friday afternoon. Officers want to know the whereabouts of the van, registration H353 ATY.

The van driver was in his mid 20s to late 30s, 5ft 10in, of medium to stocky build, with short dark hair.

Anyone with information should call Sunderland City CID on 0191-454 7555.