A 16-year-old Hitchin boy has been arrested after a 15-year-old was threatened, punched in the face and kicked in the head just outside a park.

The incident, near the Grove Road entrance to Ransom’s Recreation Ground, happened between 3.50pm and 4pm yesterday – and police are now looking to trace a man who helped the victim afterwards.

Police said the victim was riding his bicycle when another teenager blocked his path and threatened him before trying to steal his bike.

The boy then pushed the 15-year-old before punching him in the face and kicking him in the head. The victim managed to get away on his bike, after which a male passer-by came up to him and asked if he was OK.

A 16-year-old boy from Hitchin has been arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, and has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Det Con Gary Larkman, of the North Herts local crime unit, said: “This was a nasty attack on the victim who was left shaken but thankfully not seriously injured. I am now doing all I can to identify the person responsible.

“As part of my enquiries, I am very keen to speak to the Good Samaritan who came to the victim’s aid after the attack.

“Was this you? Or perhaps your friend or family member told them about the good deed they had done yesterday?

“If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please email me.”

Anyone with information should email Det Con Larkman on gary.larkman@herts.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 41/34440/18. Alternatively give information at herts.police.uk/report.

You can also call the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.