Two men suffered serious injuries to their jaws in separate gang assaults in Stevenage over the weekend – the most popular time for Christmas parties.

Police have said the party weekend went off reasonably peacefully, but officers are investigating three incidents in the town connected with the night-time economy.

A gang of five men set upon a victim on Friday evening in Stevenage High Street, and punched him twice from behind causing him to collapse to the floor.

They hit him again and broke his jaw before demanding his phone, wallet and his bag.

They then left the scene with those items.

Call 101 with information quoting crime reference E1/17/10257.

Also on Friday between 9pm and 10.22pm, a group of offenders stopped a victim to talk to him in Town Square before hitting him on the back of the head and stealing his bag (crime reference E1/17/10297).

Another assault took place between 2.30am and 3am on Sunday at Stevenage Leisure Park. Four offenders approached a victim outside TGI Fridays near to the cash point. They hit him causing a dislocated jaw (crime reference E1/17/10292).

Stevenage-based Detective Inspector Chris Treadwell said: “There were lots of people enjoying the festivities in Stevenage this weekend and I’m pleased that the majority celebrated responsibly.

“There were three incidents which can be associated with the night-time economy and these are being fully investigated. I’d ask anyone who believes they may have witnessed any of these incidents to make contact.”

If you have information call Herts police on 101, or to report something anonymously you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.