AN MS sufferer says was she spat at and verbally abused on World MS Day on the High Street in Malmesbury yesterday.

Alicia Hunter, who has secondary progress multiple sclerosis, uses two walking-sticks and has a Function Electrical Stimulation (FES) machine on her leg to help her get around.

The 43-year-old from Little Somerford had popped into town to go to the Co-op, but couldn’t find any available parking spaces.

She had parked on double yellow lines – something she as a blue badge holder is entitled to do when it is safe to do so – and returned shortly after.

When she got back to her car a man in a white van, thought to be a Ford Transit, reportedly threw a barrage of abuse at Alicia, condemning her for parking where she had.

The van then drove to the end of the road at the Market Cross where Alicia pulled alongside him, with her 17-year-old son in the passenger seat.

“I was seething,” she said. “I saw red.

“I pulled up level with him, wound the windows down and asked him if there was a problem.

“He said I shouldn’t have been parked there, so I told him I had a disabled badge.

“When he asked where it was I got it out to show him. It had been displayed when I parked but I put it away when I drive.”

The van driver then reportedly shouted expletives at Alicia before spitting at her and driving away.

“The way he behaved was intimidating, I felt scared,” she said.

“Some spit landed on my son’s sleeve and some on the van.

“My son was in shock, he’s normally a very placid lad.

“I think the man was angry because he realised he was in the wrong.

“Even if I was parked there illegally and wasn’t disabled, what right does someone have to behave like that towards you?”

Alicia described the man as white, between 35-40 years and medium build with ‘blonde-ish’ hair.

The incident took place at 3pm at the top part of the High Street at the Market Cross.

Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.