A man has been charged with attempted kidnapping and robbery after an incident in Hemel Hempstead.

Between 4am and 4.20am on Thursday, January 11, a woman was reportedly walking along St John’s Road when she was allegedly grabbed and verbally threatened to get into a vehicle.

She collapsed to the floor in fear and her handbag was stolen before the suspect left the area.

An extensive investigation was launched by the Dacorum Local Crime Unit and a man was arrested on Thursday, January 18 before being released on conditional bail.

As a result of further enquiries by the team, charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service on Friday, February 23.

Michael Hayes, 54, from Edmonton, has been charged with attempted kidnap and robbery. He has been remanded into custody and will appear in court today (Saturday, February 24).

"This has been a thorough investigation, which has seen hours of CCTV footage reviewed and other police tactics utilised," said Investigator Lisa Brown, who is leading the case.

"I’d like to thank those who came forward with information as part of our enquiries. Now that a charge has been made, it’s important that the case is allowed to proceed through court unimpeded.

"We are continuing to provide support to the victim."