A DELIVERY van driver was assaulted after he confronted a man trying to open his vehicle.

Police have launched an appeal after the victim was assaulted after challenging the suspect about his behaviour.

The driver was returning to his parked van when he saw another man trying the driver's door handle.

The driver, a man in his 40s, was assaulted but managed to fend off his attacker and drive away in the van.

Officers say there were no injuries and no stolen property reported at the scene.

The incident happened between 11.45am and midday on Christmas Eve in St David's Road, East Cowes.

The suspect is described as white, in his 30s to 40s, around 5ft 10ins tall, and of medium to stock build.

He was wearing a black woolly hat, a black jacket, black gloves, and dark trousers.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Newport police station on 101.

Mini-com users can phone 18001 101.

Information can be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.