A man is in custody after a woman was reportedly punched in the face as people were threatened with a knife.

Kerry Reynolds, of Prestwick Road, South Oxhey, has been charged with aggravated burglary, possession of a bladed article, threats to damage/destroy property, common assault, cocaine possession, and theft (shoplifting).

The 40-year-old appeared in Hatfield Remand Court on Friday (October 27), when he was remanded back into custody ahead of another court appearance on an unconfirmed date.

Three of the charges relate to an alleged burglary in Ashridge Drive, South Oxhey, last Wednesday afternoon (October 25).

Two other charges, common assault and threats to damage/destroy property, relate to a separate report in Hallowes Crescent, South Oxhey, on October 10.

Detective Sergeant Darren Machin said: “Both of these incidents occurred during the day, when they were likely witnessed by members of the public who were just going about their day.

“We want to reassure the community that those involved are known to one another, and that we are not treating these incidents as random attacks.

“However, we want to send a clear message that violent behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are providing support to the victims as the investigation progresses.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed either incident, and has not yet spoken to us, to please come forward and speak to police.”

The final charge, theft, followed an unrelated report from September 1. Ready meals and alcohol were apparently stolen from The Co-op in Delta Gain, Carpenders Park.