[19 SEP 00] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Bedworth Man Recovering After Neck Stabbing

Police think a man who was stabbed in Coventry on Sunday may have known his attacker, and do not consider it was a road rage incident.

The car used by the attacker was recovered last night. It had been abandoned in Whitworth Avenue, Stoke Aldermoor.

The victim Richard Batty, 53, from Bedworth underwent emergency surgery in Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital. 

His condition was described as ‘critical but stable’ on Monday, but 'stable' this morning following the stabbing close to Hipswell Highway.

One car was chasing another until they both stopped, and there was a confrontation in Wyken on Sunday lunchtime.

The men spoke before the attack, which police said was unprovoked. The Bedworth man was stabbed in the neck and was bleeding heavily and was taken to hospital.

A West Midlands police spokeswoman said:

"He was travelling with a female passenger in a green Ford Mondeo and they were followed by a white Mazda.

"He was forced to stop in Farren Road, Wyken, and there followed a confrontation where Mr Batty was stabbed in the neck."

Other motorists stopped to help the victim and he was rushed to hospital after losing a lot of blood.

His attacker fled the scene. The attacker is said to be 5ft 10in, with a slim build, brown hair and wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information should ring Chace Avenue police on 024 7653 9040, or call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.