Police have launched an investigation after a man allegedly impersonated as a police officer.

On June 1, in Harpenden high street, a man in a silver Vauxhall Vectra with blue lights on the front pulled up alongside two male cyclists.

He told the cyclists that riding was illegal before getting into a disagreement with them and driving off.

The incident happened between 7.30pm and 8pm.

PC Darren Lomax, who is investigating, said: “Posing as a police officer is a serious offence. However, I want to reassure residents that this type of incident is unusual in Harpenden and we are following several lines of enquiry.

“We are keen to speak to any members of the public who believe they have been stopped by or have had conversations with a man driving a silver Vauxhall Vectra. If so, has he activated flashing blue lights or claimed to be a police officer?

“Genuine police officers will always properly identify themselves in this type of situation. They will be identifiable by their uniform, or if they are in plain clothes then they will produce a warrant card.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Lomax by emailing darren.lomax@herts.pnn.police.uk calling 101, quoting crime reference 41/6679/18