A TRUCKER and his wife told today of the terrifying moment when a road rage incident escalated and they were almost killed when youths threw a rock from a bridge through their lorry windscreen.

A TRUCKER and his wife told today of the terrifying moment when a road rage incident escalated and they were almost killed when youths threw a rock from a bridge through their lorry windscreen.

Shortly before, the youths had made the couple's journey a living nightmare as they kept swerving in front of them, braking constantly and trying to force the Felixstowe-bound HGV off the A14.

Today police investigating the incident appealed for witnesses to come forward to tray to trace the occupants of the car.

Trucker Tony Purkis, who works for Brinor at Felixstowe, was just coming through the A14 roadworks at Rougham when the drama started.

Mr Purkis, who had his wife Marilyn in the cab with him, pulled out to overtake a car. When he pulled back in again a car behind him was flashing its lights and when it overtook the youths inside were gesturing and abusive.

“They then stayed in front of us swerving all over our carriageway, braking suddenly right in front of us - it was awful,” said Mr Purkis, of Felixstowe.

“I was just so worried we were suddenly going to go over the top of them and crush them - HGVs don't stop in an instant.

“They made my life hell for about half an hour and were trying to force me off the road.”

Eventually, the car pulled away and drove off but then as the couple approached the road bridge over the A14 at Ixworth they could see the youths standing on top.

“I could see immediately they had a rock and then just threw it straight at the windscreen. It smashed the window and I swerved all over the place but managed to come to a safe stop on the hard shoulder,” he said.

“I am shocked that someone could do that and put other human beings at risk like that. We could have been killed. I was frightened for myself and my wife and for the other road users.”

Mrs Purkis said: “I think it was attempted murder. It was madness. I was just so scared - if my husband had not been such an experienced driver we would have been killed.”

Police today appealed for witness to the incident, which happened Tuesday at about 8.30pm.

A spokeswoman said an investigation was under way into the incident involving the lorry and silver Mercedes. Police were keen to trace the driver of a white Ford Escort van who may be able to help with their inquiries.

Anyone with information should call police on 01473 613500.