A woman was grabbed by an unknown male who threatened her to get into his car in Hemel Hempstead.

The victim was walking along St John’s Road between 4am and 4.20am today (January 11) when she saw a white/light-coloured car drive past and pull into Sebright Road before stopping.

She was then approached by the suspect, who is believed to have been driving the vehicle, who “grabbed her and verbally threatened her to get into his car”, Herts Police said.

“Fearing for her safety, the woman collapsed to the floor. The man picked up her handbag and walked off before the vehicle was driven away from the area.

“The woman sought help and police were called.”

The man is described as being white, around 5ft 6ins tall, wearing a dark-coloured, knee-length parka coat with a fur trimmed hood, which was worn up during the incident, and spoke with a local accent.

Detective Inspector Jason Finnegan said: “This was a very frightening ordeal for the victim who continues to be supported at this time.

“We understand that this incident will also cause a great deal of worry among the local community. I’d like to reassure people that we are doing all we can to trace this man as a matter of urgency.”

This includes house-to-house enquiries, CCTV reviews and other police tactics, as well as proactive patrols, the DI added.

“Were you driving in the area around the time? Did you see a medium-sized, white or light-coloured car travelling around? We’d be particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have captured dash cam, doorbell camera or CCTV footage.”

Information can be reported via non-emergency number 101, or via the police website, quoting reference ISR 69 of 11 January, 2024.