Grandfather's Arm Broken in Violent Road Rage Confrontation
In a shocking incident of road rage, a grandfather had his arm snapped in two places while his eight-year-old granddaughter watched from the passenger seat. Despite the violent assault, police have stated there is insufficient evidence to bring charges against the suspect.
The Terrifying Incident Unfolds
Phil Webster, 57, was driving his grey Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with his granddaughter and dog inside on Saturday, February 28. The incident occurred shortly before 5pm as he was exiting the M20 motorway and approaching the A249 roundabout near Bearsted.
According to Webster, he was in the left-turn only lane when another motorist, who had been in the right-hand lane, also attempted to turn left toward Bearsted. "He came up beside me and nearly touched me," Webster recounted. "I gestured to him as if to say, 'What are you doing?' and he just must have seen red from there."
A Violent Physical Assault
The situation escalated rapidly when both drivers wound down their windows. "Our cars were about a foot apart, and he was able to climb out of his window, spat at me then started punching me through mine," Webster described.
The assailant then used his hands and body weight to try to force Webster's window further open. "I had locked the door by then, and I was trying to push him away with my right arm from the window," Webster explained. "That's when he got my arm and snapped it with both hands over the window."
Webster recalled the horrifying moment: "I just looked at it happening and saw my hand hanging down." Despite the excruciating pain, he managed to drive his van to block the other vehicle from leaving while his granddaughter called emergency services.
Police Investigation and Outcome
Police arrived at the scene around 4.55pm and arrested a 30-year-old man who was taken into custody. An investigation was conducted including forensic examinations and CCTV review.
However, a police spokesperson stated: "On completion of all relevant inquiries, the decision was made that the case had not met the evidential threshold for a charge. The arrested man was released from custody the following day without further action."
Detective Inspector Tristan Stevens commented: "In this case, all potential avenues of investigation were explored and accounts taken from those involved. Whilst the decision was made to release the suspect without charge at that stage, we will thoroughly review any further information that comes to light."
Severe Injuries and Recovery
Webster was taken to Maidstone Hospital where X-rays revealed he had broken two bones in his arm. He was initially released but readmitted and kept overnight on Sunday for observation due to concerns about tissue damage.
The grandfather now wears a cast and expects to undergo surgery to fit two plates in his arm later this week or early next week. "For at least 20 minutes, I was screaming in agony in front of my granddaughter," Webster said. "I really didn't want to, but I was just in so much pain."
Life-Altering Consequences
As a self-employed worker who transports heavy cast-iron cookers like Agas and Rayburns across the country, Webster's injuries have left him unable to work. "It's changed my life completely," he stated.
The experienced motorist, who drives approximately 50,000 miles annually, always maintained distance from road rage situations. "I'm like a second dad to her," Webster said of his granddaughter. "She thinks the world of me, and just to see that happen to her granddad is pretty bad."
Webster expressed concern about the psychological impact on his granddaughter: "She's a tough cookie, she is alright at the moment, but we do worry she is bottling it all in and it's going to hit her soon."
The incident has also affected Webster psychologically: "It's amazing how psychologically it's damaged me – it's definitely made my opinion of the outside world a little bit different now."
Despite being "gutted" by the police decision, Webster hopes new information might emerge to reopen the case. Police have urged any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
