Police issued strong words of advice after being called to the centre of Hitchin following a 'play fight' that had got out of hand.

Officers attended Bancroft Recreation Ground on Tuesday after news of an altercation among a number of young boys.

Herts Police told Nub News: "We were called to reports of a common assault at Bancroft Recreation Ground at 459pm on Tuesday (August 30).

"It was alleged that an 11 year-old boy had been 'slapped' round the head by an adult man."

However, Nub News understands that the man had been a concerned citizen who was attempting to break up the youngsters' play fight which had escalated - leaving the police to ultimately give both parties a stiff talking to amid strong words of advice regarding future behaviour.

There were no arrests and no official cautions issued.