A driver was left shaken and bleeding after he was punched in the face by a road rage attacker.

It happened on the northbound side of the A23 just south of the Hickstead services junction yesterday.

A man in a blue Rover was forced to stop on the carriageway by a man driving a red Honda Prelude. The Honda driver punched the other motorist before driving off.

PC Jamie Stone said: "As road rage incidents go it was quite serious. The way the offending driver brought the vehicle to a halt was dangerous.

"He pulled in front of the car, slammed on his brakes and caused a lot of danger to the other drivers. He just got out of his car, walked straight up to the driver's side and punched him in the face.

"When we got there he was quite visibly shocked. He was treated by an ambulance crew and after a quick trip to hospital he was allowed to go on his way."

PC Stone said the attack appeared to be unprovoked.

He said: "At this stage we don't know where the offending driver comes from but we don't think he is from the Sussex area.

"A lot of people would have driven past as it was rush hour and a couple of cars nearly crashed into them."

The attacker was of Afro-Caribbean appearance, with a black short tight Afro hairstyle. He had a black moustache, was tall, well built and aged about 20.

Anyone who witnessed the attack, which took place at 9.20am, is urged to call PC Phil Cracknell at Burgess Hill police station on 0845 6070999.