Here's a round-up of the latest crime stories across Hertfordshire

Appeal following New Year's Day assault in Hertford

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following an assault in Hertford in the early hours of New Year's Day.

It was reported that at around 130am on New Years Day, a number of people were involved in an altercation in Fore Street.

Officers attended and a 20 year old man was arrested at the scene. He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Detective Constable Sarah Meacock, who is investigating, said: "One person, a man in his 20s, sustained several injuries including a swollen lip and a black eye as a result of the altercation.

"Thankfully his injuries were not serious, and he did not require hospital treatment.

"It was reported that the incident started as a verbal altercation between a group of people, and as such we believe there may be several other people involved who may have made off from the scene prior to police arrival.

"It is likely that many people would have seen the incident taking place, and I would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed it or anyone who has any information to get in touch."

Anyone with information can contact DC Meacock directly via email at [email protected] or by calling call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/38/22.

CCTV appeal following purse theft in Hatfield

Officers have released a CCTV image of a man who might be able to help their enquiries following a purse theft in Hatfield.

On Saturday, December 18, the victim was notified by her bank that her cards had been declined due to several transactions totalling hundreds of pounds.

The victim had been shopping in Parkhouse Court, on Friday, December 17 between 425pm and 6pm, and it is believed the purse may have been stolen from her coat pocket during this time.

PC Sarah Kinney, from the Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "We believe the man pictured may have been in the shops at the time and he could have vital information that could help our enquiries.

"If you recognise him, please get in touch by calling the non-emergency number 101 or email me at [email protected] quoting crime reference 41/99425/21."

Operation Advent round-up

Several arrests were made, warrants were executed, crime prevention advice was given and residents shared their views with officers during a successful operation called Operation Advent

The operation launched on December 1 and ran for 24 days, to showcase just some of the work that local Safer Neighbourhood Team officers do day in, day out.

Three people were arrested and charged in connection with theft offences in Bishop's Stortford

A motorbike was seized under Section 59 powers following multiple reports that it was being used in a nuisance and anti-social manner.

Officers addressed complaints about dangerous parking around schools in Sawbridgeworth.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of keeping a brothel in Sawbridgeworth and possession of drugs.

Five vehicles were seized during a traffic operation, for various traffic offences.

A man from Cheshunt was stopped while driving through Standon and was found with ball bearings and eight dead pheasants in his vehicle.

He was interviewed by police and given a Community Protection Warning.

If he is caught hare coursing, lamping, poaching, trespassing in search of game or committing any associated anti-social behaviour across Hertfordshire or six neighbouring forces, further action will be taken against him.

Man arrested in connection with parcel thefts in Hertford