A VAN driver threatened another motorist with a tyre iron after a road rage incident, police said today (Thursday, October 25).

They are appealing for witnesses to the incident in which a man driving a black Vauxhall Insignia was cut up by a small white van on the A1 Burtree roundabout on the outskirts of Darlington.

After the Vauxhall driver - who was with his wife and young children - sounded his horn, he was pursued by the van towards Redworth, where stopped at temporary traffic lights.

The van driver then got out brandishing a tyre iron and threatened the Vauxhall driver - who sped through the traffic lights on red to get away.

The van also followed on red, chasing the car until the Watling Road roundabout at Bishop Auckland - before turning off up Watling Road.

The  incident happened on Sunday, October 21 at about 3.20pm.

The van driver is described as being in his mid-20s, about 5ft 9in tall, medium build with short dark hair and was wearing a black t-shirt and black carpenter style trousers and spoke with a local accent.

Police say there were several other cars that stopped at the temporary traffic lights who may have seen the incident and are asking for people who recognise the van driver’s description to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101 and ask for the response team at Bishop Auckland, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.