Appeal after two stabbed in 'shocking' violence in Watford

Herts Police are investigating after being called to the Watford Junction area at 6.45pm yesterday (August 2) and finding two men in their 20s had been stabbed.

They were taken to hospital for treatment and a 17-year-old boy arrived at hospital a short time later with a hand injury.

• Council cutting police funding in favour of 'enforcement squad'
• Two men stabbed near Watford Junction and O'Neill's pub
• 23-year-old arrested as two hospitalised in 'serious condition'

The police cordon (Image: Stephen Danzig)

One of the men in his 20s has been discharged from hospital, but the other man and the teen remain in a “serious but stable condition”, police said.

A 23-year-old from Watford, who was one of the men that received hospital treatment, has been arrested on suspicion of GBH.

Officers found and seized a knife when searching the area.

Inspector Dan Jones said: “I know that news of this assault may be concerning for the community, but I am pleased that an arrest has already been made as part of our investigation.

“Currently, we believe the people involved are known to one another and through our enquiries we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances around the incident.”

Police outside O'Neill's (Image: Stephen Danzig)

After speaking to several people, the force are now appealing for the public to get in touch if they have information.

Inspector Jones said police would be “very interested” to speak to anyone who saw suspicious activity in the Bridle Path/St Albans Road area last night.

Officers believe the “serious assault” took place within the vicinity of Bridle Path and the two men were initially treated outside O’Neill’s pub before going to hospital. Herts Police have not confirmed whether they had previously been inside the pub at this stage.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor, said: “This is a distressing incident and violence like this will not be tolerated in Watford.

“I am grateful to the officers who were on the scene very quickly, arresting a suspect and ensuring the victims were taken to hospital.”

Watford General Hospital (Image: Newsquest)

Locals have reacted with “shock” at the “scary” attack, with some adding that they are becoming more worried about similar violence.

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed a road ambulance transported a teenage male with a “serious injury” to hospital. An air ambulance was also called.

A hospital worker, who saw armed police arriving as he finished his shift, said he was frightened to see them arrive and feared an attack was happening at his place of work.

He admitted he was “relieved” to find it was elsewhere, but added: “I feel a bit worried about things now.

“There are all these stabbings happening, I feel a bit anxious about going out in the night.”

Anyone with information has been asked to contact police quoting crime reference 41/62125/23.