A 65-year-old woman was punched in the face in a hospital car park after a road rage dispute, leaving her with cuts and bruises.
Attack at University Hospital of North Durham
Christine Smith, from Crook, was driving her ill son, in his 30s, to A&E at the University Hospital of North Durham on July 13 when the incident occurred. As she attempted to park, she was attacked by a stranger who hit her in the face before fleeing the scene.
Police have released a CCTV image of a woman they wish to speak to in connection with the assault.
Victim's account
Christine described the attack as shocking, saying, "It was shocking. It still comes back to me as soon as I shut my eyes. At the time I was more worried for my son. I just wanted to get parked up and get him into A&E. It was the last thing you would expect to happen in a hospital carpark. But nobody stopped to help. I know it's stressful trying to get parked at the hospital but there's no need to assault someone."
Around 12.30pm, Christine noticed a white Nissan with its reverse lights on. She stopped to let the driver out, but when the car didn't move, she continued driving. The driver began shouting, and as she reversed into a parking space, a woman from the car approached her.
Christine said the woman shouted, "get out the car," and after Christine got out, the woman asked, "what's your problem?" Christine replied, "it's not me," and the woman punched her in the face. Christine's son tried to intervene, but the woman hit her again on the other side of her face. Christine restrained her until she went back to her car, then took a photo and phoned the police.
Police appeal
Durham Constabulary were called just before 1pm on July 13 to reports of an assault in the car park. A spokeswoman said: "We were called to reports of an assault in the car park following a suspected road rage incident between two women at University Hospital of North Durham just before 1pm on July 13. The victim was injured after being punched in the face and attended A&E. The suspect made off in a car. An investigation was launched and the police are appealing for information."
Anyone with information should contact PC Lauren Johnson by emailing Lauren.Johnson2@durham.police.uk.
