POLICE APPEAL: Officers ask for help to trace family reportedly targeted during incident in Watford

Police are trying to trace a family who officers believe were victims of verbal abuse in a Watford Park.

A third-party report has indicated that it happened sometime during the evening of Tuesday, December 14, by the Tasty Bean Café in Oxhey Park off Wiggenhall Road.

It is believed the family were approached by six young males dressed in dark-coloured clothing who verbally abused them.

Watford Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Pete Edwards said: “We have been made aware of this incident, which has been mentioned on social media, via a third party but to date we have received no reports that match the circumstances of this incident.

“We are now working to try and identify the victims involved so we can support them if required and investigate the circumstances appropriately. If this was you, or someone you know, then we urge you to please contact us as soon as possible.

“We understand that news of this incident may be concerning to the community, especially as we are already investigating a robbery in the same location, and we are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked.

“I’d like to reassure residents that we have already stepped up our patrols of the park in response to these incidents, and we would urge anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour to please report it to us as soon as possible.

“As ever, if you believe a crime is in progress then please dial 999 straight away and give the call handler as much information as possible while keeping yourself safe.”

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, use online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or call the non-emergency number 101. 

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.