More police are expected to be brought into Watford town centre permanently.

Watford's Chief Inspector Matt Phillips says Hertfordshire Constabulary is working to increase the number of officers in the safer neighbourhood team.

The announcement came after a teenager was stabbed in The Parade on Wednesday, although discussions had taken place previously.

Reacting to the stabbing, Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said a “permanent and significant increase” of police in the town centre had been agreed.

Mr Taylor said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with the victim and I wish him a speedy recovery.

“We must not tolerate violence or anti-social behaviour. I’ve been calling for a greater police presence in Watford and will be holding a summit with the police and other agencies to ensure so we protect our town from these types of crimes.

“It has now been agreed that there will be a permanent and significant increase in police officers in the town centre.

“I’m very clear that violent crime has no place in our town.”

Watford chief inspector Matt Phillips added: “We are currently working to increase police officer numbers within our town centre safer neighbourhood team. This is in response to a number of different crime types currently affecting our communities.

“We are confident the increase in officer numbers will make a positive difference to the issues we are facing in the town centre.”

Official figures from the police data website showed the most common types of crime reported to police in Watford Central during September were violence and sexual offences (88), shoplifting (86), and anti-social behaviour (81).