A NUMBER of criminal incidents which happened in Hitchin in the early hours of Saturday morning are believed to be linked, sparking a police appeal.

The first incident occurred at around 3.30am, when a 27-year-old man was approached by four men in Bearton Green. The group stole his mobile and wallet before leaving the scene.

A few minutes later, police were called to York Road to reports of a group of people taking bricks from a skip. Officers attended the scene to find a brick had been thrown through the a car side window.

There was also believed to be an altercation outside Venue in Bancroft prior to these two incidents at 2.45am. This is also believed to be linked.

Two men, a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old, both from Hitchin, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Constable Simon Goodship from the Local Crime Unit in Hitchin is investigating. He said: “We believe there had been an altercation which took place outside the Venue Pub in Bancroft. We believe this incident is linked to the robbery and the damage.

“If you were outside the pub and saw what happened, saw a group of youths in the town acting suspiciously, saw the robbery take place or have any information which would assist the investigation please call police.”

Anyone with information can call Hertfordshire Constabulary on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.