Balaclava-wearing men were seen fighting with weapons in Hemel Hempstead before a car crashed into a pedestrian on the pavement in the Marlowes area.

Residents reported seeing a “young lad being chased by a gang of lads with machetes” in Bridge Street, although a police spokesperson declined to confirm what weapons were seen.

The spokesperson said three men followed another man into a town centre shop before fleeing down an alleyway towards Asda.

Shortly afterwards, a grey Ford Focus ST mounted the pavement and hit a member of the public, although their injuries were minor and did not require medical treatment.

It comes just days after two masked men turned up at The Full House pub, also in Marlowes, on an electric bike with a "large knife" on Friday, August 16. 

Police initially said the incidents were not being treated as connected at this stage, but have since confirmed officers are keeping an open mind as it is "too early to say".

The investigation into the alleged affray yesterday is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police “as a matter of urgency”.

Detective Sergeant Yolanda Morales-Willis said: “Our enquiries are continuing, and I am urging anyone with information to please come forward.

“I appreciate the nature of this incident will be concerning, and I ask that people do not speculate on social media. Instead, please share any footage or information you have directly with police." 

Any information can be reported on 101, online at herts.police.uk/report or on Yolanda.Morales-Willis@herts.police.uk, quoting crime reference 41/69384/24.