Man seriously injured in carjacking

The victim was treated at Frenchay Hospital

Police in Bristol are appealing for help to trace a couple who beat up a man before stealing his car in rush hour.

The victim was left with a shattered elbow and back and facial injuries after waving in frustration at a car which tried to push into a queue of traffic ahead of him.

The man, who has not been named, was attacked at around 1645 GMT on Monday 2 December in Stapleton Road, Eastville, close to the Hungry Horse pub.

He ran off, fearing a more serious assault after his attacker was handed a weapon, only for the assailant to steal his car.

Road rage

The 27-year-old was driving his Ford Scorpio car near junction two of the inbound M32 when a small light blue car tried to force its way in front of him, causing him to wave at the driver.

Minutes later, when both cars stopped at a set of traffic lights the drivers got out of their cars and the driver of the blue car punched the victim in the face, causing him to fall backwards.

He continued his assault while the man lay on the ground until a woman got out of the blue car and handed him an item similar to a small screwdriver.

Fearing a more serious assault the victim ran off. The man then got into the victim's car and drove away while the woman drove off in the blue car.

Serious assault

The injured man was treated at Frenchay Hospital.

The attacker was black, aged 20 to 30 years, between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall, slim with short curly hair. He was wearing black gloves, a jumper and dark trousers.

The woman with him was white, of a similar age, slim with long dark hair about 5ft 8ins, wearing a white jumper.

Police believe traffic was heavy at the time and a number of people may have witnessed the incident - anyone who saw it is asked to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.