After a woman was grabbed, threatened and told to get into a car in Hemel Hempstead, a London man has been arrested.

The 54-year-old from Edmonton was taken into custody yesterday morning (Thursday, January 18) on suspicion of attempted kidnap and robbery.

The arrest follows an incident on the previous Thursday (January 11), when a woman had been walking on St John’s Road between 4am and 4.20am.

A white or light-coloured car drove past her, and pulled into Sebright Road before stopping.

The woman was then approached by an unknown male, who is believed to have been driving the vehicle.

The man grabbed her and verbally threatened her to get into his car before, fearing for her safety, the victim collapsed to the floor.

The unknown male then picked up her handbag and walked off, before the vehicle was driven away from the area.

The woman then sought help, and Hertfordshire police were called.

Following an investigation, a person of interest was identified and arrested during the early hours of yesterday (Thursday 18 January).

Detective Inspector Jason Finnegan said: “Thankfully the victim was not injured but this was a very frightening ordeal for her and she continues to be supported.

“We understand the concern that this incident also caused among the local community and have had a team of detectives working day and night to trace a suspect while patrols were increased.

“We’ve reviewed hours of footage from more than 50 CCTV systems as part of our enquiries and have employed several other police tactics which have enabled us to make an arrest.

“The arrested man has been released on bail under strict conditions, while further enquiries are carried out.

“I’d like to thank the members of the public who contacted us with information, your calls really do make a difference.

"If you have information and haven’t yet spoken with police, we’d still like to hear from you as we work to progress the case.”

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Information can be reported to Hertfordshire police online at www.herts.police.uk/ro/report or by calling the police's non-emergency number 101, quoting ISR 69 of January 11, 2024.

Hertfordshire police's web chat function can be used by visiting herts.police.uk/contact.

Anonymous information can be given by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.