Police have described a road rage incident in Melbourne's east that left a woman on crutches with a broken nose as a vicious attack.
Police said the 25-year-old victim was driving along Oravel Street in Balwyn North around 6:30pm on Wednesday when the incident unfolded.
Acting Sergeant Gary Tivendale said the woman was unfamiliar with the area so was driving slowly when the driver of a car behind her appeared to grow impatient.
He said the driver tailgated the victim's car and sounded his horn a number of times before pulling alongside her and abusing her.
The man then pulled in front of her vehicle and abruptly braked multiple times, Acting Sergeant Tivendale said.
Both cars stopped in Arama Street and the victim, who had a broken leg, got out and approached the man.
Acting Sergeant Tivendale said the offender then attacked the woman.
"She's been knocked to the ground, her glasses knocked off her head," he said.
"He's then walked around her, taunting her for several minutes as she crawled on the ground trying to get away."
Acting Sergeant Tivendale said the man punched the victim "four or five times" and threatened to return and continue the attack.
He said the taunts revolved around the victim's driving and appearance.
The victim's mother, who had been following her daughter in her own car, arrived on the scene and took her to hospital where she was treated for a broken nose.
"This is a particularly vicious attack," Acting Sergeant Tivendale said.
"It's one of the worst that I've ever heard about.
"We just cannot let violence like this go without someone being held accountable for it."
The man was last seen driving off along Arama Street, turning east along Wandeen Street.
He has been described as being of southern European in appearance, aged in his early 20s and about 175 cm tall.
Police believe he may be local or familiar with the area, and are appealing for any witnesses or any CCTV or dashcam footage.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
