MYSTERY surrounds a car chase across Runcorn bridge by a gang of masked men which ended with a motorist being slashed with a knife.

Detectives are hunting three men they believe pursued a Runcorn man on his way to work in Widnes and attacked him when he stopped to see what the problem was.

"This was not just a road rage attack," said Det Sgt Justin Hancock, leading the investigation.

"These men were all wearing black balaclavas so it was definitely pre-planned.

"Luckily the victim fought them off after he stopped and managed to get away but he is obviously very worried he was targeted on his way to work like that."

The incident happened at around 6am last Thursday when the 39-year-old victim was heading across the bridge towards Widnes.

He noticed a metallic blue Subaru Impreza driving close behind him with its headlights on full beam. Thinking it just wanted to get past, the motorist changed lanes but the vehicle continued to follow.

He pulled off at the Widnes junction and pulled over in Moor Lane, close to the council depot and McDonald's, at which point the three men got out of their car and attacked him with a knife.

Police are baffled about the gang's motive and say the victim suffered only a small wound to his face and that nothing was stolen.

The motorist could not provide a description but police are appealing for anyone in the area at the time and saw the chase to contact Det Sgt Hancock on 01244-614 715 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.