The police are appealing for information after two teenage boys, aged 17 and 18, were left shaken after being robbed of their mobile phones in Harpenden.

Detective Sergeant Carolyn Taylder said that at Pickford Hill, at about 8pm on Tuesday (10), a group of men approached the youths and allegedly forced them to hand over two iPhones after threatening them with violence.

The offenders are described as a white male, of medium build, and two mixed-race men, possibly Asian, one of whom had a moustache and beard.

All three were aged in their early 20s and wearing dark tracksuit tops. Two men had their heads covered.

DS Taylder said: “The boys did the right thing by handing over their phones. They have understandably been shaken by this incident. Fortunately robberies are very rare in Harpenden and we will do everything we can to trace the offenders.

“This happened at a time when there would have been other people around. I would appeal to anyone who may have seen this incident or have any information relating to this offence to contact me.”

Anyone with information can contact DS Taylder via the Herts Police non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.