Police have confirmed that the two stabbings in Welwyn Hatfield this week are "not linked", as they pledged to "continue to take a tough stance on knife crime".

On Monday night (February 26), a man was left with serious but non life-threatening injuries to his chest and arms after being stabbed in Welwyn Garden City's Hall Grove.

A 22-year-old man has since been charged with attempted murder.

Then, on Thursday morning (February 29), two men were arrested in Errington Close and Mosquito Way, having both suffered serious stab wounds which were treated in hospital.

Two stabbings in the space of just four days has caused serious shock and concern for Welwyn Hatfield residents.

Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Pete Frost was keen to reassure the public that Herts police believe the incidents are "not linked" and that there is "no further threat to the public" following the incidents.

"I appreciate that these two incidents, which are not linked, will have caused concern in the community," he said. 

"My officers made quick arrests and I am pleased to say that we are no longer looking for anybody else in connection with either incident.

"The incident in Hatfield involved two people who were known to each other and there was no wider threat to the public.

"We are continuing to piece together the circumstances of the incident in Welwyn Garden City but we are satisfied there is no further threat to the public."

Chf Insp Frost was called on the public to report any information about knife crime, adding: "We continue to take a tough stance on knife crime and I would like to remind residents that if you know somebody carrying a knife, please report it to us by calling the non-emergency number 101.

"Alternatively, you can stay completely anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org.