Safety fears have been raised after a man was stabbed at a popular family park in Watford.

Harwoods Recreation Ground, opposite Laurence Haines School in Vicarage Road, was taped-off on Monday (May 27) after a man in his 20s was attacked between 6.30am and 7am.

The East of England Ambulance Service responded to "reports that a person had been stabbed" before taking a man to Watford General Hospital. The victim suffered one stab wound to his back but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Herts Police confirmed no arrests have been made and it is not believed to have been a random attack.

The Green Flag-accredited park, which has a playground and outdoor gym, is “very popular” with young families and dog walkers but has recently been blighted by crime, according to West Watford councillor Nigel Bell.

He said residents regularly complain of drug dealing and antisocial behaviour at the site, which Herts Police previously named among their priority areas amid similar reports.

“The local community needs reassurance that this is going to be a ‘safe space’ for everyone in the future,” the councillor added.

Residents reacted online claiming the problems are "common knowledge" for those living nearby, while another called for CCTV at the site.

A Herts Police spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact them, quoting reference number 41/42032/24. 

Information can be reported via the force's website herts.police.uk/report or by calling non-emergency number 101.

Updated: 

Inspector Dan Jones said: “We have been working closely with staff at the cemetery, football club, and partners at Watford Borough Council to tackle some of the reported issues from residents around the location.

"This has included high-visibility patrols, targeted use of stop and search by plain clothed Scorpion officers and officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team conducting door-to-door anti-social behaviour surveys with residents to proactively identify issues.

"The work carried out in the area had seen a dramatic reduction in anti-social behaviour being reported.

"Although we have launched a new set of neighbourhood policing priorities, we remain flexible and will respond to concerns that arise and act on them accordingly.

"If anyone experiences unwanted behaviour or has concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.”