A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnap and robbery after a woman was targeted in Hemel Hempstead.

Herts Police said a 54-year-old from Edmonton has been arrested after a woman was allegedly grabbed and verbally threatened to get into a vehicle.

It happened while she was walking along St John’s Road, sometime between 4am and 4.20am on Thursday, January 11, following which she collapsed to the floor in fear and her handbag was stolen.

Today, the force confirmed a person of interest was identified and arrested during the early hours of yesterday (January 18).

Detective Inspector Jason Finnegan said: “Thankfully the victim was not injured but this was a very frightening ordeal for her and she continues to be supported.

“We understand the concern that this incident also caused among the local community and have had a team of detectives working day and night to trace a suspect while patrols were increased."

He said hours of footage from more than 50 CCTV systems have been reviewed along with several other police tactics, which led to the arrest.

“The arrested man has been released on bail under strict conditions, while further enquiries are carried out," DI Finnegan continued.

“I’d like to thank the members of the public who contacted us with information, your calls really do make a difference.

"If you have information and haven’t yet spoken with police, we’d still like to hear from you as we work to progress the case.”

Information can be reported via non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 41/2784/24.