THE victim of a terrifying road rage attack today told how his attacker punched him in the head and nearly bit his ear.

The motorist, whose wife was with him during the ordeal, said: "I've never seen a man so out of control."

The violence erupted on a country lane between two North Yorkshire villages.

The victim was driving his silver Renault Megane on a single-track road when a red vehicle started following closely. Its driver grew agitated when the Megane slowed down to pass two cyclists safely. When the Renault driver used a passing place so an oncoming horse and trailer could pass, it triggered an unprovoked attack.

The 42-year-old motorist, on his way to lunch with friends, said: "There was a screech of brakes from behind and the man made an angry gesticulation.

"Another vehicle was coming so I waited. I could see the driver behind was getting more agitated, so I decided he should leave first." Although the victim "feared for his safety", he could not have imagined what followed him waving the man through.

"He got out of his car and opened my door. He pummelled blows upon my head, and ripped off my glasses, having made no attempt at conversation. The only noise he made was an animalistic roaring.

"My wife pleaded he leave me alone and he briefly stopped. But he then grabbed me tighter, raining down more blows.

"He put his mouth to my ear as if to bite. Thankfully at the last minute he thought better of it."

The man slammed the door shut, punched the driver's window several times before returning to his car.

The attacker - casually dressed, with a "weather-beaten" look - set off again in his P-registration car, but did not follow.

"I was obeying the speed limit and driving safely," added the victim. "Now I'm concerned this man will do this to somebody else, given his considerable rage."

Sergeant Jason Marchant, of Knaresborough Police, told people involved in such violence to stay in their cars. He pleaded with drivers to be patient, but stressed such cases were not common.

"If you feel threatened don't leave your vehicle. If possible drive away, get the other car's details and call police."

The incident happened on Sunday, between 12.20 and 12.27pm, between Bishop Monkton and Roecliffe, near Ripon.

Police said no arrest has been made.

Officers want to speak to two cyclists who may have seen the incident. Phone Knaresborough Police on 01423 505541 with information.

Updated: 11:24 Wednesday, October 22, 2003