62-year-old punched in road rage attack

The 62-year-old victim was driving a white Nissan van on the eastbound carriageway at Dechmont when he was involved in a minor disagreement with the motorcyclist, who had been travelling in the opposite direction.

The motorcyclist then turned around to follow the motorist, drawing up alongside him at the traffic lights at the junction with the B8046.

He punched the wing mirror, then punched the driver in the head and shouted abuse before turning around and sped off westbound on the A89.

The suspect is described as white but tanned, heavily built, 5ft 9ins tall, with a local accent. He was wearing an open-faced scrambler style helmet with a distinctive front peak, scramble bike clothing, and black leather gloves with plastic knuckle protectors.

The bike is described as a scrambler-style off-road dirt bike with a registration plate displaying the numbers five and two. The bike was dirty and had chunky off-road tyres.

A police spokesman said: “The victim was unable to defend himself and while he wasn’t hurt, he was left badly shaken, and we are appealing for any information that can help us trace the suspect.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who was in the area at the time and noticed the bike, should contact police.

“Likewise, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any other information that can assist our enquiries, should also get in touch.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers, where information is provided anonymously, on 0800 555 111.