Police are making progress in their response to a serious of violent attacks they believe are linked, as they appeal for information on a further report.
Over the weekend, Herts Police were able to confirm two more arrests after a man on an e-bike was shot in the A41 following a run-in with the occupants of a black BMW at around 5.20pm on Thursday (July 25).
This means that six people have been arrested in connection with the incident, which is being treated as linked to previous targeted violence in Watford, so far. Four remain in custody while two have been released on police bail.
- Shooting linked to stabbings and gun row - two attempted murder arrests made
- Neighbours' shock after shooting: 'I thought it was a car backfiring'
- A41 ‘shut for foreseeable future’ after shooting - recap
The e-bike rider, who had been travelling southbound near junction 5, was understood to be fighting for his life as of the latest update from police. The BMW made off from the scene towards the M1.
An 18-year-old man from Watford has been charged in connection with an attack in Brocklesbury Close on Wednesday, July 24. He has been remanded ahead of an appearance at St Albans Crown Court on August 27.
A stabbing in Clarendon Road on Tuesday, July 23, which saw a man in his 20s taken to hospital, is also being linked, as well as a report that suspects brandished a gun at Watford High Street Station before hitting a man on the back of the head on July 10.
As they shared news of the further arrests, detectives added that they are now appealing for any witnesses to an assault in Meriden Park at around 3.30pm on Thursday, July 25, to come forward. The police cordon in the A41 after the shooting was around just 200 metres from Meriden Park.
There were rumours of a second violent incident on Friday evening in Waterfields Way, near Lower High Street – which police said was connected to the shooting.
“It is not a separate report and no further incident has happened,” a spokesperson said.
Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias said: “We would still like to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident on the A41 and saw what happened or has dash cam footage.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the black BMW in the vicinity at the time of the incident, and anyone who may have seen an assault in Meriden Park earlier in the afternoon.
“I would like to thank those members of the public who have come forward already to help assist the investigation and for their patience while the A41 remained closed.”
Information can be submitted through this information portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/35SA020124R10-PO1, or by quoting Operation Margent.
Herts Police added that residents can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area as investigations continue.
The Watford Observer was previously informed of three 18-year-old men and a 17-year-old girl having been arrested.
The force has been contacted for more information on the further arrests.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article