Police are appealing for help as they try to unravel events on Hitchin’s Mattocke Road in the early hours of this morning which ended with one man being treated in hospital.

They say that two boys and two men – all believed to be known to each to other – became involved in a dispute just before 1am which resulted in one of the men being assaulted and injured.

Det Sgt Alex Wilcox said: “I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time the offence took place and witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, to get in contact.

“Any information you provide could help us to get to the bottom of what happened here.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the non-emergency number 101, citing crime reference number G1/15/1593. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, the independent charity on 0800 555 111.

A 16-year old boy and a 46-year old man - both from Hitchin - were arrested on suspicion of assault. They have both been released on police bail and are due to return to Stevenage police station on August 15.