A VIOLENT pensioner maliciously punched a 'distressed' woman as she sat in her car in a fit of road rage.

The victim was driving her silver Mercedes on Southdown Road in Caversham at around 5pm on Wednesday, June 28, when another vehicle suddenly pulled out in front of her.

After breaking sharply, the driver of the silver Vauxhall Vectra exited his car and approached the woman.

The suspect, believed to be a man in his 70s, proceeded to punch her through the open window several times before speeding off.

Although the victim, a woman in her 40s, was not injured by the attack, it is believed that the man and woman know one another.

The offender is described as a white man, of around 5ft 11ins and of a heavy build.

He was clean shaven, with white hair and side burns.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emma Brooks, said: "This was a nasty attack and it was fortunate the victim was not seriously injured, however, she was understandably distressed by the incident.

“It is not believed to be a random attack, however we would like to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident, which took place at a busy time of day.

“It's believed a number of vehicles were caught behind these two cars which were blocking the road.

"If anyone in these vehicles or any other members of the public witnessed the offence, please call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting incident reference 43170189997."