New CCTV images have emerged in connection with an attempted armed robbery in north Watford.

A gunman entered Kays newsagents, in St Albans Road, and demanded money from two members of staff, a man and a woman, before shooting the 70-year-old man in the stomach and leaving empty handed.

The shooter is described as a white man aged in his late teens to early 20s. He was of a slim build with a thin face and was between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall.

He was wearing a woolly hat, a black or dark blue jumper and black trousers. He had a cream scarf covering his face from the bridge of his nose downwards.

Police are now trying to trace this man in connection with the incident, which took place at about 7.05am on Thursday, December 30.

Detective Inspector Tim Redfearn from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit is investigating and said: “We have been trawling through CCTV footage from around the area and have already released some images of people we would like to hear from.

“We would like to speak to the man pictured in connection with the investigation. He is seen walking past Kays newsagents on the morning around the time of the incident. We believe he may have information vital to the investigation.

“It is ten weeks since the attempted armed robbery occurred and I would like to once again appeal to anyone with any information about what happened or who may be responsible to call police.

“We understand you may not feel comfortable in calling us directly. If that is the case, please call Crimestoppers as you can do this without any of your details being passed on.”

Anyone with information should telephone the incident room directly on 01707 355959. Alternatively telephone Crimestoppers, who have put forward a £1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and charge, on 0800 555111.

  • A man previously arrested in relation to this incident has been released without charge.