A DISABLED man was verbally abused and punched in the face by a motorist during an unprovoked attack in Widnes.

The victim was travelling along Dundalk Road on his mobility scooter at 8.15pm on Friday (September 20) when he was targeted by someone in a black Volkswagen Golf.

The victim responded to the unprovoked verbal abuse by making an offensive gesture towards the car, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

He then continued travelling along the road.

As he did so, an unknown man got out of the car, caught up to the victim from behind and punched him in the face.

After being reprimanded by other motorists who witnessed the incident, the offender got back into the car, which fled in the direction of Hale Road.

Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and officers are urging anyone with any information or footage that may be relevant to the investigation to come forward.

Police Constable Phil Halliday, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: "Thankfully the victim sustained only a minor facial injury as a result of this incident.

"He decided that he did not need medical treatment.

"The consequences of this incident could have been far worse and I would like to reassure the community that we are determined to establish the identity of the offender and make him face the consequences of his actions.

"Verbally abusing and assaulting a disabled man on a mobility scooter is despicable behaviour and the victim, who did not know the man who punched him, has understandably been left extremely shaken up as a result of his ordeal.

"As such, if you were in the area and witnessed what happened, or have any other information that may assist our investigation, please get in touch.

"The same goes for anyone with any dashcam footage relating to the incident or the black VW Golf that the offender was travelling in.

"We particularly want to speak to the man and the woman who stopped their respective cars and reprimanded the offender immediately after the incident.

"The cars they were in are believed to be a burgundy Peugeot and a silver BMW or Mercedes."

Anyone with information that may aid officers with their investigation, no matter how small, should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 518667, give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Dashcam footage can be submitted online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.