Police in Victoria, Australia, have launched a manhunt after a 61-year-old driver was allegedly beaten with a golf club in a road rage attack near Sydenham. The incident, which left the victim hospitalised, has prompted an appeal for public help in identifying a suspect, highlighting ongoing concerns about violent confrontations on the state's roads.

The alleged attack took place on the Melton Highway, between Banchory Avenue and Calder Park Drive, at around midday on Saturday. Police say the man was driving through roadworks when another vehicle rammed his car three times. After both drivers pulled over, the second motorist allegedly got out with a golf club, struck the victim on the leg and smashed his windscreen, leaving the car undriveable. The victim was treated in hospital for severe bruising. Officers have released images of a man in a gold-coloured Nissan Patrol, described as a heavy-set Pacific Islander around 180cm tall, and have urged witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers. The incident comes less than two weeks after another road rage episode in the state.