A fake police officer tried to wrongly caution two cyclists in Harpenden last week.

Between 7.30pm and 8pm on June 1, a man in a silver Vauxhall Vectra with blue lights fitted to the front pulled up alongside two male cyclists on Harpenden High Street.

He told them their cycling was illegal, started arguing with the pair, and drove off.

A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer, but has been released on bail and enquiries continue.

Investigating PC Darren Lomax said: “Posing as a police officer is a serious offence. However, I want to reassure residents that this type of incident is unusual in Harpenden and we are following several lines of enquiry.

“We are keen to speak to any members of the public who believe they have been stopped by or have had conversations with a man driving a silver Vauxhall Vectra. If so, has he activated flashing blue lights or claimed to be a police officer?

“Genuine police officers will always properly identify themselves in this type of situation. They will be identifiable by their uniform, or if they are in plain clothes then they will produce a warrant card.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101, email darren.lomax@herts.pnn.police.uk, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The crime reference is 41/6679/18.