Knife-wielding robbers targeted a man in Cassiobury Park before a teenager was arrested – the latest in a string of Watford attacks being linked by police.

A gang of five masked males demanded the victim in his 30s hand over his phone at around 5.30pm on Thursday, June 13, Herts Police revealed today (June 17).

Officers scoured the area and recovered a knife before an 18-year-old from Surrey was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

In total there have been three robberies and four attempted robberies in the Cassiobury Park area, according to police, with a number involving “secondary school age” victims.

Today (June 17), the force confirmed more details of the attacks which fuelled safety fears last week and saw pupils told to "travel in pairs".

More attack details revealed

Six of the attacks happened over a three-day period – June 11 to 13 – and ranged from being at Cassiobury Park to nearby Shepherds Road and Cassiobury Park Avenue.

The seventh was on June 3 in Shepherds Road, where eight teenage males wearing dark tracksuits approached the victim and demanded their phone. The victim refused and was assaulted before they fled.

A similar incident on June 11 happened at 11am in Cassiobury Park, where one male stopped someone and demanded their phone before assaulting them.

The same day at 2.35pm in Cassiobury Park Avenue, someone was approached by four balaclava-clad males who took their wallet. Four hours later, an e-bike rider stopped two young people and unsuccessfully demanded a phone. The suspect was described as a man around 5ft 11ins tall, wearing a large coat and balaclava.

On the same day, Herts Police were also told of “suspicious behaviour” in Shepherds Road involving a victim being followed by two males with face coverings. They demanded the person's phone, who sought help from passers-by and the suspects fled towards the train station.

Knife and bladed weapon

On Wednesday, June 12, a man in his 30s was assaulted and robbed in Cassiobury Park by two males – one of which reportedly had a “bladed weapon”. An orange and silver e-bike was taken before the suspects – described as wearing black puffer coats and balaclavas – rode off towards Hempstead Road. A police helicopter and dog unit were called but no one was found.

The following day, officers were called to the most recent attempted robbery, which saw a knife recovered and 18-year-old arrested.

It is understood that the arrest was only in connection with that specific incident, although it is being investigated in connection with the others.

Police latest

Detective Sergeant Sarah Hern, from the Watford Local Crime Unit, said today: “I appreciate these incidents will be alarming to our local community. A number of the victims who have been targeted are of secondary school age. I would like to reassure parents, guardians, students and members of the public that we are doing everything we can to trace all those involved. We have increased our police presence in the area and are liaising with other relevant partners.”