Road rage attack: Keys taken

A witness told police he saw a man get out of the Suzuki and assaulted the ute driver before taking his keys and driving off. Photo / File

A driver was bashed in the head and had his keys taken in a road rage attack near Nelson this afternoon.

The man was driving a white ute on State Highway 60, about halfway between Nelson and Motueka when he overtook a slow-travelling maroon Suzuki Vitara about 3pm.

The driver of the Suzuki sped up, overtook the ute and both vehicles pulled off and stopped on Gardner Valley Rd near Mapua.

A witness told police he saw a man get out of the Suzuki and assaulted the ute driver before taking his keys and driving off.

The victim sustained multiple blows to the head and his vehicle was damaged.

The attacked is described as about 2 metres tall and of solid build. He was possibly wearing grey track pants and a Chiefs training jersey.

Anyone with information should contact Senior Constable Reuben McCormack on (03) 546 3840 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.