Officers are appealing for information and witnesses following an alleged robbery in Welwyn Garden City yesterday evening (Thursday 20 March).

At around 7.15pm, a 15 year old boy was approached by a group of teenagers outside the Howard Centre. It is alleged that they had a bladed weapon.

They followed him in and out of the shopping centre and are reported to have assaulted him and stolen his phone. 

Police were called to the scene and found the victim in the alleyway next to McDonald’s with serious injuries. He was taken to hospital where it was confirmed he had a fractured skull.

Three 15 year old boys, all from Welwyn Garden City, have been arrested on suspicion of assault (GBH) and robbery. They remain in custody at this time.

Sergeant Tom Hassall, from the Welwyn Hatfield Local Crime Unit, said: “Those involved are believed to be known to each other and we are not treating this as a random attack.

“The victim sustained nasty injuries and we are doing all we can to investigate. Three arrests have been made but there are more suspects we are looking to locate.

“We believe there were lots of people in the area at the time as a train had just pulled into the station. If you were there and saw what happened, please get in touch.

“You can email me at Tom.Hassall@herts.police.uk quoting crime reference 41/26319/25.

"If you have information about the incident, don't forget you can also report this anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers."

You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.