A 13-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with an assault that happened in Letchworth earlier this week - in an incident that has been shared widely on social media across North Herts including Hitchin.

The incident happened on Tuesday (March 22) in the Garden Square Shopping Centre, between 545pm and 610pm.

The victim was allegedly pushed to the ground and assaulted by a number of youths.

He sustained serious injuries as a result and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Two other people also sustained injuries during the incident while trying to intervene.

Detective Sergeant Andy Metselaar, who is investigating, said: "A suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, and he remains in police custody at this time.

"We are conducting extensive enquiries to identify all those involved, and as part of these we would like to ask anyone who has any information to get in contact with police as soon as possible.

"We understand that incidents of this nature are likely to cause alarm among the local community, and as such we have stepped up local patrols in the town centre and are working closely with local schools. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

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"Officers have also been made aware that footage of the altercation is being circulated on social media.

"We would politely ask that you refrain from sharing this, in order to not cause further distress to the victim and their family and to ensure that the ongoing investigation is not compromised. If you do have footage, please send it through to us."

Anyone with information can contact DS Metselaar directly via email at [email protected].