Police are appealing for information following a shocking road rage incident in which a woman was violently dragged from her car and attacked, along with her passenger, by an e-bike rider in Sunbury-on-Thames.
The distressing assault took place on Thursday, 22 May, at approximately 3.10pm on the bustling Staines Road West, between Windmill Road and the M3 roundabout. According to Surrey Police, the incident unfolded in broad daylight and in the presence of other road users.
An argument is believed to have erupted between the driver of the car and the male e-bike rider, who was reportedly unknown to the victims. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a verbal exchange escalate quickly, before the suspect physically pulled the woman from her vehicle and subjected her to a violent assault. He then proceeded to attack her passenger.
Emergency services attended the scene shortly afterwards, and both victims were left shaken and sustained minor injuries. They are now receiving support from officers as the investigation progresses.
The suspect is described as a white male, aged between 17 and 20 years old. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a dark-coloured puffa jacket and riding a dark-coloured electric bicycle. His face was partially obscured, and he fled the scene before officers arrived.
Surrey Police are treating the attack as a serious incident of road rage and are actively pursuing several lines of enquiry. Officers have launched a public appeal for witnesses or anyone who may have captured the attack, or the moments leading up to it, on dashcam or mobile phone footage.
Detective Inspector Andy Greaves of Surrey Police said:
“This was an extremely alarming and unprovoked attack which took place in a busy area during the middle of the afternoon. It would have been highly visible to other road users, and we are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have relevant dashcam footage to get in touch immediately.”
“We want to reassure the public that we are doing everything possible to locate this individual and ensure he is held accountable. Violent behaviour like this has no place on our roads.”
The incident has caused considerable concern in the local community, with residents expressing alarm over the boldness of such a daylight attack. Local councillors have called for increased patrols and CCTV coverage in the area to deter similar incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police by calling 101, quoting reference number PR/45250061075. You can also report information online through the Surrey Police website using the webchat service or the online reporting tool.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
As investigations continue, police have confirmed that patrols in the area will be stepped up in the coming days to reassure the public and gather further intelligence.
Residents and commuters who frequent the Staines Road West corridor are being encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals matching the suspect’s description.
Surrey Police continue to urge calm and are asking the public not to approach the individual if spotted, but instead to contact police immediately.
Anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the surrounding area at the time of the incident is especially urged to come forward, as it could be vital in tracking down the perpetrator.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of road rage and the importance of maintaining calm and composure on the roads. Authorities are hopeful that with the assistance of the public, the attacker will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.