A have-a-go hero has told how a thug wielding a meat cleaver and a hunting knife launched a terrifying road rage attack in broad daylight.

Brett Lincoln, 40, was getting into his van in Connaught Gardens, Braintree, at around 9.10am on September 16 when a dark grey Audi sped past.

Mr followed the car in his van into nearby Edinburgh Gardens to get a number plate and challenged the driver over his speed.

Mr Lincoln said: “The chap who was walking in front of his car turned around and went back to the car.

“He rummaged around in his car for a couple of seconds, closed the door and started walking towards me with something in his hand.

“It was a bright morning and as I clocked the chap had something in his hand it caught the light and it was obvious it was a very large silver hunting knife.

“I said ‘Easy fella’ and took a step back. As I did the bloke charged at me.”

Mr Lincoln managed to run back to his van and locked himself inside while he phoned the police.

He saw the Audi driver also had a meat cleaver.

Mr Lincoln said: “He tried my door and when he found it was locked he drew up the meat cleaver and swung it at the van. I presume he intended to use it to break the window.

“Thankfully he missed and hit the frame of the door. He used with that much force he broke the handle off the meat cleaver.”

The suspect is described as white, aged in his 20s or 30s, and between 5ft 8in and 6ft tall.

A police spokesman said: “He had dark brown hair which was longer on the top, very pale skin and brown eyes.

“He was wearing a blue zipped Adidas top with white stripes down the arms and dark jeans or jogging bottoms.

“He had a dog in the Audi, described as being the size of a labrador with a dark, sandy coloured coat.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Emma Davidson on 101.