Hertfordshire police are investigating after a man reportedly assaulted an 11-year-old boy in Stevenage.

On Monday, May 22, between 3.20pm and 4pm, the boy was approaching the underpass under the A602 (Broadhall Way) between Shephall Green and Wood Drive when he was prevented from walking any further by an unknown man, who stood in front of him.

The man then allegedly hugged the boy, preventing him from moving away.

The boy eventually managed to free himself and walk past. Detectives believe that two girls may have witnessed the assault and possibly helped the boy to get away.

Police are now seeking to identify the man involved, who is described as white, of skinny build, and as wearing grey jogging bottoms and a grey hoody with colourful writing on the front.

Detective Constable Rondell Quinlan, investigating, said: "We appreciate some time has passed since the incident, but we have been progressing a number of lines of inquiry.

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"We think that two girls were possibly in the area at the time and may have been instrumental in helping the boy being get away from the offender.

"If this was you, or you think you know who the two girls are, please get in contact as soon as possible."

Information can be reported at herts.police.uk/report, via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101 and quoting crime reference 41/41693/23.

You can report information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.