Road rage leaves man with black eye

A man was punched in the head during an argument after a road rage incident in Masterton yesterday afternoon, suffering a black eye and bruising.

The man, 38, made a gesture to another motorist after he was overtaken by a vehicle on Ngaumutawa Road about 3pm. Both drivers pulled over and got into an argument before the victim was punched several times in the head and face, Detective Sue Mackle said.

"The offenders then left in the yellow vehicle, and allegedly made off with the victim's wallet, which contained a substantial amount of cash, leaving the victim with a black eye and bruising and swelling to face and head," she said.

Police are looking for a clean-shaven European, about 1.83 metres tall, of medium build with short black hair. He was wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans, and accompanied by another man.

The victim was driving a light blue Nissan Navara, and the other man was driving a bright yellow car, possibly a Mitsubishi sedan, with a black border on the bonnet.

Several cars drove by at the time of the assault, and police are seeking witnesses to help identify the offenders.

- NZPA