Detectives investigating a hit and run in Harpenden have released shocking video footage showing a staff member at a Tesco Express petrol station being struck by a vehicle.

At about 7.10pm last Thursday (18), a grey Peugeot believed to be either a 406 or 407 estate was driven onto the forecourt of the service station in Lower Luton Road, Batford.

Employees in the store were alerted to the fact that the vehicle had tape obscuring its number plates.

But when a staff member, a man in his mid-20s, went out to speak to the driver the car then collided with him. It was driven from the station.

The car is believed to have contained up to four people; the occupants were described as men with dark complexions aged between their late 20s and early 40s.

Detective Constable Robert Muir, investigating, said: “The member of staff was very lucky to not have been more seriously injured in this incident and to only escape with grazes and bruises.

“We have made the decision to release the footage of the incident to show how serious it was and in the hope that someone is able to identify the people involved, which we need to do as a matter of urgency.”

DC Muir added: “If you saw what happened, the car prior to or after the incident, or believe you know who the car belongs to or who was driving it at the time of the incident please contact me as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Muir via Herts Police non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference F2/14/1744.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111