A man suffered serious head injuries after being assaulted in the Tesco car park, Baldock, at 10.25pm on Friday. The man, aged 20, was with a male and female friend when, say police, they were approached by a large group who verbally abused the victim and

A man suffered serious head injuries after being assaulted in the Tesco car park, Baldock, at 10.25pm on Friday.

The man, aged 20, was with a male and female friend when, say police, they were approached by a large group who verbally abused the victim and his male friend.

The victim was taken to the Royal Free Hospital where his condition was described as serious but stable. His friend was also injured during the altercation but his injuries were not serious.

"An altercation took place during which a man received a serious head injury," said Det Insp Gary Atkinson from Stevenage CID. "Many people would have been in the area at the time and witnessed the assault and we would like to speak to them so that we can establish exactly what happened."

A 16-year-old boy was later arrested on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm and wounding with intent.