Three people have been arrested after a 12-year-old boy was robbed and threatened in Harpenden.

The alleged incident took place at around 2.30pm on Saturday, July 29, next to the exit of Harpenden railway station in Station Road.

It was reported that the boy - who was with a friend at the time - was approached by three individuals, who asked for mobile phone before grabbing his wrist.

The suspects allegedly threatened to stab the boy if he didn't hand over his phone, however, no weapon was ever seen.

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After handing over the device, the boy ran to seek assistance from the police.

As a result, three arrests were made "within minutes of the call".

Three men have been taken into custody on suspicion of robbery, and have since been released on bail whilst officers continue their enquiries.

Hertfordshire police have now launched an appeal for witnesses and information about the reported incident.

                                                                                            

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Officers are particularly interested in speaking to one individual who was in the area at the time.

Detective Constable Lewis Allingham said: “I am appealing to anyone who might have seen the incident, or witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area, around the time to please get in touch.

“I am particularly interested in speaking to a man, described as being aged between 30 and 40 years old, about 5ft 11 ins tall, of medium build, who was wearing sunglasses and had dark hair.

"The man was also walking with a toddler.

“I want to emphasise that the man is not involved but was in the area at the time of the incident and may have vital information that may help our investigation.”

DC Allingham can be contacted via the following email address: lewis.allingham@herts.police.uk

Information can also be reported online at www.herts.police.uk/ro/report or by calling the police's non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/60901/23.

Anonymous information can be given by contacting Crimestopppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.