Police said the 35-year-old man was driving into town with two children, aged four and nine, about 6.50pm on August 19.

As he approached the Lancefield Road roundabout he noticed he was being tailgated by a navy-blue four-wheel-drive. The Sunbury man told police he tapped his breaks and the 4WD retreated.

However, the 4WD sped and nudged the trailer of his vehicle. Both vehicles stopped on the side of the road.

Police said five men got out of the 4WD and circled the victim. He was punched several times in the back of the head. He fell to the ground, but the attackers continued to punch and kick him.

Passers-by yelled at the attackers and they got back in their vehicle and drove towards Sunbury. The victim suffered a gash to the head, bruises and grazes.

Police have not yet identified the attackers. They are believed to be in their early-20s and of Middle Eastern descent. Their 4WD was either a Toyota or Holden, with a chrome bull bar across the front and a spare tyre on the rear door with a chrome cover.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

"Road rage is always concerning because usually it

stems from minor incidents," Senior Sergeant Barry Jenks said.

"The key on the road is to be patient and have a bit of courtesy. It costs nothing.

"People need to keep their cool. We don't know whether the offenders knew there were children in the other car, but witnessing that can be very disturbing."

Information to Sunbury police, 97448111.