A group of youths targeted a Watford police patrol with fireworks on Wednesday evening as Halloween hi-jinx took a sinister and violent twist.

Officers were called at around 9pm to a group of eight teenagers throwing lit fireworks at passers-by near the Watford Rugby Club on Radlett Road.

When officers arrived, however, they too were targeted by the yobs who continued to aim rockets in the direction of their patrol car - one of which hit its target.

A police representative said three of the youths were caught and given warnings about their conduct. However, no arrests were made.