Two children have become victims of an attempted a robbery in Borehamwood and police are asking for witnesses and information.

On November 4, the two 11-year-olds were under the covered walkway outside Tesco in Shenley Road when five men approached them.

The men threatened the boys and demanded their bags, money and phones and were told to get cigarettes at which point they ran and told the store’s security.

Investigator Sally Johnson from the Borehamwood Local Crime Unit, said: “This was a very intimidating incident for the boys and we’d like to identify those responsible as soon as possible.

“A woman stopped and asked the boys if they were ok and stated she witnessed what had happened.

“We’d like to speak with this woman as she may be able to assist in our investigation.”

All the men were described as white and aged around 20. They were wearing tracksuit bottoms and hooded tops.

One was wearing glasses and two of the group had their hoods up. Two or three of the group were smoking.

Anyone with information should contact Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101.