Sydney man, 73, hit on head after accident

A 73-year-old man is in intensive care with a fractured neck and head injuries after being assaulted following a minor traffic accident in Sydney's inner west.

The man was with his wife when another car reversed into the rear of his vehicle on The Boulevarde at Strathfield, just after 5pm on Monday, police said.

Witnesses say when the man tried to speak to the female driver of the other car, a man who was her passenger got out and became aggressive and an argument began, during which the woman drove away.

The older man was then punched to the ground before the passenger ran off along Liverpool Road.

"It's a cowardly attack," Inspector Sean Gabin told The Sydney Morning Herald. "He has got out to speak to the other driver and, while taking photographs of the damage to the vehicle, he has then been assaulted."

Ambulance paramedics treated the man before taking him to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he is being treated for a fractured neck and suspected bleeding on the brain.

Police have appealed for public assistance and wish to speak to the driver and passenger of the other car.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged about 30, with a slim to medium build and about 180cm tall, while the woman is described only as being of Caucasian appearance.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.