THIEVES who broke into a house in Radlett took the keys to a car parked on the driveway and then drove away in it. But soon afterwards they abandoned it and stole another car after assaulting the woman driver. The first car, a black Audi A6, was taken by

THIEVES who broke into a house in Radlett took the keys to a car parked on the driveway and then drove away in it.

But soon afterwards they abandoned it and stole another car after assaulting the woman driver.

The first car, a black Audi A6, was taken by two men from Newlands Avenue at about 3pm on Thursday. It was abandoned about half-an-hour later in Smug Oak Lane, Bricket Wood.

The men then stole a sliver Peugeot 307 and the driver, a 34-year-old woman from Radlett, suffered a nose injury after being assaulted.

Both of the suspects were white and of medium build with short brown hair. One of them was only about five feet tall.

Detectives are now following several lines of inquiry but are appealing for witnesses to come forward to assist with the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Bruce Bishop from the Local Crime Unit based at St Albans police station said: "Although incidents of this nature are extremely rare in our county, this was undoubtedly very distressing for the victim involved. I am urging any members of the public who may have seen an Audi A6 driving suspiciously in the Chiswell Green or Park Street area, saw either incident take place or know anything about them to please come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Bishop on 0845 33 00 222 citing crime reference number J1/08/3243 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.