Police investigating an attempted arson have said petrol was poured on a van before a man was assaulted and injured.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said earlier today that it is investigating an assault (actual bodily harm) and an attempted arson in Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green, on Saturday (November 21).

The force has now said that it is also investigating an incident of criminal damage days earlier in the road on Monday, November 16.

Police said the windscreen of a black car parked outside a property in the road had been smashed during the evening.

And on Saturday, the force said petrol was poured over a van parked outside the same property between 5.45pm and 6pm.

A man inside the property had then confronted the offender and attempted to detain him, police said.

However, the offender assaulted the victim before running down Winton Drive.

There, he got into a dark-coloured vehicle which drove away at speed, police said.

The victim suffered an injury to one of his fingers as a result of the incident.

Police have described the offender as a white man aged between 30 and 40 years old.

He was wearing a dark-coloured hooded jacket, blue jeans and white trainers.

The two incidents are being treated as linked.

Detective Constable Carly Fry, from the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit, said: “We are treating these incidents as linked and have made a number of enquiries since we were informed of these offences. The victims of these incidents have suffered a terrible ordeal, and they have since been safeguarded and supported by both police and partner agencies.

“Now we are appealing for anyone who believes they witnessed some or all of either incident to please come forward and talk to police as soon as possible.

“If you have a dash cam and were driving in the vicinity of Baldwins Lane or Winton Drive at the time of the second incident, then please review your footage and contact us if you believe you have captured something of note.”

Information can be reported by calling 101, quoting 41/92790/20.