A DRIVER was left needing facial surgery after being forced off the road and attacked.

Officers were called after a man aged in his 50s was knocked unconscious in Southernhay, Basildon.

Essex Police received information that the man and his partner were travelling in their blue Renault Megane when they were forced off the road by a green or silver saloon type car.

Officers believe it to be a Volvo with either H240 or H704 in the index.

Police received reports that the man driving this vehicle then got out and punched the victim in the face, knocking him to the floor.

He has been described as being in his late 20s to early 40s, 5ft 8ins, of a medium build and wore a white T-shirt and jeans.

The victim was taken to hospital where he had to have surgery to his face.

Residents spoke of their horror after the shocking incident in the town centre road.

It happened between 5pm and 5.30pm on Friday June 6 but police have just released details.

Beryl Cox, 70, of Waldegrave, Basildon said: “This is awful.

“I can’t imagine what this poor man has gone through with this incident.

“I really hope the people responsible for this are caught and dealt with very soon.

“We cannot have these sort of people running around our town centre and putting us, residents, at risk.

“I think this is likely to make some people worried about going into the town centre of an evening.And I think that’s a shame.

“We must stand strong as a community against this kind of violence.”

Simon Porter, 44, of Lincoln Road, Basildon said: “I think this is disgusting behaviour.

“We don’t want this sort of thing in our town, I’ve lived here all my life and never heard of anything like it.

“I hope the victim makes a speedy recovery, after this horrific incident.”

Essex Police officers are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to call Basildon police station on 101 quoting crime reference 42/89813/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.