Police have increased patrols in a Stevenage park after two young men were attacked by a large gang in the space of half an hour on Monday night.

The latest incident took place in Fairlands Valley Park between 9.45pm and 10pm when a 19-year-old man was approached by a group of youths.

He was dragged from his bicycle and kicked and stamped on before the offenders made off with his bike, leaving him with a concussion and severe bruising to his face and neck.

One of the offenders is described as a white boy aged between 16 and 17 years old, around 5ft 6in tall, with spiked blonde hair. He was wearing a grey jumper and grey trousers.

Shortly before at about 9.15pm a group of around 10 youths, aged between 16 and 18 years old, approached a man in Fairlands Valley Park, with one of the gang hitting him several times with what is believed to have been a baton.

The victim, who is in his 20s, ran away and got into a car. He was chased and the offenders caused damage to the car by kicking and hitting it.

The offenders are described as males, who are between 5ft 7in tall and 6ft 3in tall. They were wearing dark clothing with their hoods up and may have had their faces covered.

Another offender is described as a black boy, around 6ft 3in tall, of slim build, who was wearing an camouflage bandanna, a black hoodie and black jogging bottoms.

Det Sgt Phoebe Butfoy, from Stevenage Local Crime Unit said: “These offenders have left one victim with bruising and the other requiring treatment in hospital for concussion.

“We believe these attacks were carried out by the same group of offenders and I am appealing for anyone who saw the incidents or anyone who believes they saw the offenders before or after the incidents to contact me.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that, following these incidents, patrols have been increased in the local area and we are doing all we can to identify these offenders.”

Anyone with information about the robbery or the attempted robbery can contact Det Sgt Butfoy on the police non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference E1/16/5875. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.