A driver is being hunted by detectives investigating a knife attack on a woman in Brighton.
Police believe that the driver had a near miss as the attacker ran off across the A270 Lewes Road after slashing a woman’s face.
They hope that the driver will be able to remember the incident even though it happened more than five weeks ago.
And if the car, or any others around at the time, was fitted with a dash cam – or dashboard camera – the footage could provide vital clues if it hasn’t been recorded over.
Sussex Police said this afternoon (Monday 1 July): “A car driver who may recall having had a narrow miss with a pedestrian running across the road, while travelling south into Brighton on the A270 Lewes Road near its junction with The Avenue, Moulsecoomb, during the evening of Friday 24 May, is being asked to contact police.
“The motorist may have vital information that could assist detectives investigating an assault on a 28-year-old woman in nearby Selsfield Drive.
“She was left with significant facial injuries requiring specialist surgery.
“The attack took place around 9pm.”
Detective Constable Scott Moore, from Brighton investigations, said: “Our inquiries have established that the man suspected of inflicting grievous bodily harm on the victim narrowly avoided a collision with a southbound vehicle while fleeing the scene.
“He ran west to east across both lanes of the A270 dual carriageway in the direction of The Avenue and, although several weeks have now passed since the incident took place, we would still like to talk to the motorist the suspect ran in front of.”
Sussex Police added: “He or she, together with anyone else who may recall the incident, is asked to contact Sussex Police online or by phoning 101, quoting serial 1533 of 24/05.
“Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, telephone 0800 555111.”
Days after the attack, an unemployed man, Ryan Rose Jenson, 33, of Bernard Road, Brighton, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court charged with maliciously wounding Sinead Fears, causing her grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
Jenson was also charged with having a knife in a public place.
At the court hearing on Monday 27 May, the bench was told that the attack happened in Thorndean Road, in Moulsecoomb.
Jenson was remanded in custody to the crown court on Monday 17 June when the prosecution was discontinued.
