A teenager was arrested and another man taken to hospital with a stab wound after an altercation in Hitchin town centre during the early hours of this morning.

Police have launched a witness appeal after an altercation between two men at approximately 3am outside HSBC and Greggs in the High Street led to one of them being stabbed in the leg.

The stab victim, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital but has since been discharged.

The scene was cordoned off by police this morning, with blood said to be visible on the pavement.

A man in his late teens has been arrested in connection with the incident and currently remains in police custody.

Det Con Simon Goodship from North Herts Local Crime Unit, who is investigating, said: “Thankfully crimes of this nature are rare in Hitchin and we are working hard to establish the circumstances of this incident.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time the incident took place and witnessed anything to please get in touch as soon as possible. Any information you provide could prove to be crucial to our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Goodship via the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.