POLICE have reassured Harpenden residents that a recent assault in an alleyway was an isolated incident involving people known to each other. A 20-year-old was attacked as he was walking along the narrow passage in Coldharbour Lane on the night of Monday

POLICE have reassured Harpenden residents that a recent assault in an alleyway was an isolated incident involving people known to each other.

A 20-year-old was attacked as he was walking along the narrow passage in Coldharbour Lane on the night of Monday, September 15.

He was taken to hospital with minor neck injuries and was discharged the next day.

Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the incident - a 19-year-old from Harpenden and a 16-year-old from St Albans - and they remain on police bail.

A spokesperson for Herts Police denied speculation that the victim was stabbed but confirmed that the incident was being treated as a serious assault.

Sergeant Lewis Ducket of the Harpenden Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "I understand that some residents may have been concerned. I would like to stress this was an isolated incident involving people known to each other.

"The Safer Neighbourhood Team regularly carries out high-visibility patrols and interacts with the community to provide a reassuring presence and a deterrent to criminals. We also work with out partners, including the St Albans Community Safety Partnership, Harpenden Town Council and Herts County Council to ensure residents are safe and are made to feel safe. We constantly look to use new crime-prevention measures, such as the use of CCTV or new street lighting and listen to concerns residents may have and we will be specifically looking at this location following this incident."

He added: "I would like to reassure residents that Harpenden remains an extremely safe place to live and work and we are committed to working with you to make sure it stays that way."

Anyone with any non-emergency crime concerns are asked to contact the Neighbourhood Team on 01727 796143 or to visit the Safer Neighbourhood page of the police website at www.herts.police.uk where people can view members of the team and send a message.