Hitchin’s top cop moved swiftly this week to dispel fears of further knife crime in the town in the wake of Tuesday’s town centre stabbing attack.

The Comet: Blood on the pavement opposite Look Sharp on Bancroft. Picture: Danny LooBlood on the pavement opposite Look Sharp on Bancroft. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Archant)

North Herts Chief Insp Julie Wheatley reassured the community that they should not be alarmed.

The Bancroft wounding, described as a targeted attack by investigators, happened just before 11.45am on Tuesday morning outside milkshake chain Make A Shake and neighbouring barbers Look Sharp.

The busy road was closed to all traffic until later that afternoon while a police forensics team carried out investigations.

One eyewitness told the Comet: “The pavement was blood splattered outside Make A Shake.

The Comet: Blood on the pavement opposite Look Sharp on BancroftBlood on the pavement opposite Look Sharp on Bancroft (Image: Archant)

“The blood looked like it came from a wound that was dripping.

“There were police everywhere, with the road cordoned off – and at least three squad cars and an ambulance turned up pretty quickly.”

Another eyewitness added soon after the incident: “There was what appeared to be a flick knife near the blood. I’m still shaking now.

“You don’t expect people to be stabbed in broad daylight in Hitchin.”

The Comet: The police scientific support officer assesses the crime sceneThe police scientific support officer assesses the crime scene (Image: Archant)

Chief Insp Wheatley said yesterday: “This was a highly unusual incident in which we believe the two parties were known to each other.

“At no time were any other members of the public in danger, and a suspect was quickly detained following quick work by my officers.

“I fully understand those who witnessed the incident and the wider community may have been concerned by the events.

“But I would like to reassure the community this type of incident is not a common occurrence in Hitchin, and you should feel safe and confident to go about your daily business.”

Police continue to investigate, with a spokesman confirming they will be utilising all CCTV footage available.

The victim, a man in his 20s, needed treatment for head wounds but has been released from hospital.

Brandon Harris-Ross, of no fixed abode, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm by wounding and possession of an offensive weapon. The 18-year-old has since been remanded in custody.