A road rage incident on the M5 saw a “projectile fired at a car”, according to a police report.

Now investigating officers from Devon and Cornwall Police are hoping that witnesses will come forward, and if possible provide dashcam footage of what happened.

The incident is said to have taken place on the M5 near Cullompton, at around 10.10am on Wednesday, April 17.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was reported that between junctions 28 and 29 of the motorway, heading northbound, there was an altercation after a van allegedly drove up behind another vehicle at speed, and then 'undertook' before cutting back in front.

The driver of the van was then said to have sworn and gesticulated at the other vehicle, before later pulling up alongside and allegedly firing at the car with an air weapon, causing damage.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police investigating a report of a road rage incident in which a projectile was fired at a car on the M5 in Devon are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

“The male victim’s car was approached at speed from behind by a silver Mercedes van, which undertook the vehicle before cutting in front of it.

“It was reported the driver of the van gesticulated and swore at the victim before later pulling up alongside him. A projectile was then allegedly fired from the van at the victim’s car, causing damage.

“Police believe the projectile could have been a ball-bearing-type object fired from an air weapon.”

A man aged in his 30s from the Exeter area has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause another to fear unlawful violence. He has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Officers investigating the incident are appealing for any witnesses, or motorists in the area at the time with relevant dashcam footage, to come forward.

Anyone who can help should make contact via the force website or call 101, quoting log 211 of April 17, 2024.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.