Police investigating after two boys assaulted in Watford

Police investigating an assault in Watford are appealing for witnesses and information. The incident happened in the subway between York Way and Cow Lane at around 8.20am on Wednesday, February 11. A nine-year-old boy was riding through the subway on his scooter with his 10-year-old friend, who was walking beside him. A man walked towards the pair and told the boy to get off his scooter before grabbing him. The man then pushed the other boy into a wall. Both boys ran off and were not injured during the incident. The man continued to walk in the opposite direction towards York Way. He is described as a white man, with pale skin, aged 30 to 40 years old with grey hair. He was wearing “tatty” clothing. Acting Sergeant Richard Beuttler, who is investigating, said: “This was a frightening experience for the two boys involved but thankfully they were not injured and I would like to reassure members of the public that we are doing all we can to trace this man. “We are aware of rumours circulating on social media about what happened, however we would like to clarify the allegation is of an assault and at no stage was there an attempt to take either of the children. “I would ask that anyone who thinks they may have seen a man matching this description in the area around the time stated to contact me straight away.” Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference C4/15/313. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.