THREE people were left with “nasty” injuries, following an unprovoked early morning assault in Hitchin.

The three – two men and a woman – were attacked in Hitchin Market Place on New Year’s Day.

Detectives are launching the appeal one month on, after following several lines of enquiries but failing to find those responsible.

The assaults happened shortly after 2am, when a man was walking along the square by Starbucks Coffee.

Two men jumped out of a black Smart car and approached him.

An argument took place and a passer-by tried to intervene. Both were punched in the face, with the passer-by falling to the ground and hitting a drainpine as he fell.

A female was also assaulted.

Pc Gary Larkman, who is investigating, said: “This was a totally unprovoked and nasty attack which has left two males with nasty facial injuries and also led to a female being assaulted.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have information on this incident to get in touch, especially in relation to a black Smart car. It is over a month since this incident happened and we have exhausted all lines of enquiry.

“Were you in the Market Place in the early hours of New Year’s Eve? Did you notice anything suspicious?”

The men made off away from Hitchin in their car following the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Pc Larkman on 101 quoting crime reference numbers G1/13/6 and G1/13/7.