TWO robberies in North Herts which occurred less than one hour apart are being linked by police.

A man was robbed in Letchworth GC in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) morning, and another man was robbed just 40 minutes later in Hitchin.

Police are linking the crimes, and also believe that a stolen car was involved.

The first robbery happened on Works Road, Letchworth, at around 2.50am.

The offenders approached the 24-year-old male victim from behind and grabbed him around the throat before pulling him to the floor and punching and kicking him.

They then made threats and forced him to hand over his mobile phone. The victim suffered bruising to his head, neck and back and cuts to his head and knee.

Then, at around 3.30am at the junction of Cambridge Road and Common Rise in Hitchin, two men drove past another victim in two cars.

They got out and assaulted the 18-year-old with an iron bar, before stealing his wallet and phone. He was left with bruising to his head and a pain in his right shoulder.

A blue Vauxhall Corsa, registration N831 YAV is believed to be used in connection with the robberies in convoy with another hatchback vehicle.

The car was stolen from Campers Avenue, Letchworth GC between 8.30pm on Saturday, May 26 and 1.15pm on Sunday, May 27.

DC Laura Talbot, who is investigating the incident, said: “We believe that this stolen vehicle has been used in these robberies along with another vehicle.

“These are despicable crimes where a level of violence has been used and I would urge anyone who may have seen these vehicles or who may have any information at all which could assist our investigation to get in touch with us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Talbot on the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number G2/12/966, G2/12/984 and G1/12/984. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.