POLICE appealed today (Tuesday) for information and witnesses after a boy was assaulted in Hitchin on Friday evening. The incident happened at 10pm when a 14-year-old from the town was walking through Bancroft Recreation Park with friends. He was approach

POLICE appealed today (Tuesday) for information and witnesses after a boy was assaulted in Hitchin on Friday evening.

The incident happened at 10pm when a 14-year-old from the town was walking through Bancroft Recreation Park with friends.

He was approached by a man who, it is believed, tried to start a fight.

When the boy and his friends said no and tried to walk away, the man ran toward the boy and punched him in the face and then ran off.

The boy suffered injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The man is described as black, about 5ft 11in tall, wearing a blue and white striped hooded jumper with the hood up.

Investigating officer Pc Charlotte Ord said: "We are fully investigating this assault and would ask anyone who may have seen this incident, or know the man described, to contact police as soon as possible via the non-emergency number on 0845 33 00 222 quoting crime reference G1/09/2625.

"Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, on 0800 555 111."

The chief inspector for North Herts, Geoff Camp, said: "Random assaults such as these are not a regular occurrence in North Herts and it is something we are taking very seriously. I would urge anyone with information to contact police immediately.