A woman who was attacked in Cassiobury Park has launched a petition for more lighting and cameras.

The victim was approached from behind by a man near the former Cha Café at around 6.50pm on November 4.

She was struck on the head after he tried to take her bag, before he then made off with her purse and left her needing hospital treatment.

After the police investigation was closed, the victim said she has dealt with what happened to her but wants to make sure it doesn’t happen to others.

“Everyone was commenting ‘that poor woman’ but nobody was saying ‘what can we do to change this’,” she said.

“I don’t want people to be commenting poor me that that happened, I want them to use their keyboards to call for change and sign the petition instead.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary met with her in the park after the attack and explained that they were unable to trace the attacker.

They showed her that the only CCTV camera was at the former Cha Café and was facing the wrong way to catch the suspect.

The force confirmed it investigated and explored “all possible lines of enquiry”, including trying to identify possible CCTV, but the suspect was not identified and they have no further lines of enquiry at this time.

Since launching on January 30, the petition has gathered 36 signatures.

It states: "Police were unable to track offenders in the past due to a lack of resources and CCTV and victims were unable to identify their attackers due to a lack of lighting.

“This small investment in the park will have a big impact on the safety and enjoyment of the community.”

The petition specifically calls for lights at the entrance by the tennis courts, along the path from the entrance to the cricket club, and near the outdoor gym.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor highlighted the "crucial role" of the park's existing CCTV and lighting.

“The council has been approached by a concerned resident who has requested additional CCTV cameras in the park, and we will invite them to attend a meeting where she will have the opportunity to present her request and discuss this in more detail," he added.