Herts Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a teenage boy was allegedly assaulted on a bus in St Albans.

PC Mark Smith, investigating, said the assault occurred at about 8.05pm last Friday, January 10, on board a Uno S4 bus, when it had stopped at the St Peter’s Street bus stop.

The victim, a 17-year-old boy, was struck on the side of his head by the offender, who was described as a white man, aged between 20 and 25.

The man was over 6ft 2ins tall, clean shaven and wearing a grey hooded top and light coloured baggy trousers. He was carrying a wine bottle.

A woman on board the bus at the time of the attack stopped to help the boy and police would like to speak to her as she may be able to help the investigation.

The S4 service goes via St Albans city centre, both the city and Abbey railway stations and Cottonmill.

PC Smith said: “This was an unprovoked attack and the victim, although not injured, was left very shaken by what happened.

“I am grateful to the woman on the bus who helped the victim and I am eager to speak to her. I would also urge anyone else who may have witnessed the incident or knows the identify of the offender to contact me straight away.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone PC Smith via the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.