Police have confirmed they are investigating an alleged assault after a 56-year-old man complained he and his friends were attacked by a gang of men on the dance floor at Chicago Rock Cafe Watford.

The Kings Langley man said he and another of three friends were left with broken noses after an attack by a group of well dressed assailants inside the club in The Parade in the early hours of Sunday, October 18.

The alleged victim, who does not want to be named for fear of reprisals, criticised the police’s response, and made claims the gang had struck before.

In a statement, Chicago’s CEO, David Crabtree, played down the incident, saying:"It was all dealt with in house,” adding: “We are committed to running a safe venue."

However Hertfordshire Constabulary launched a witness appeal on Thursday.

Spokeswoman Laurel Smithson said: “We are investigating this incident and initial statements were taken from victims at the scene on the day.

“While we try to speak to victims as soon as we can after the offence, it has not been possible to take further information before now.

“The investigating officer is due to ring the victims today (Thursday) and in the meantime other avenues are being explored.

“It was also reported to police that two other individuals were assaulted by a group of men that night, but there is no evidence to suggest it was the same group of men and we have not been able to trace either victim so far.

“Hertfordshire Constabulary takes incidents of this kind very seriously and we are doing all we can to bring the offenders to justice.

“We are appealing for anyone who might have any information on any of these incidents and the identities of the individuals responsible to contact us.

“We would also like to hear from either of the victims, via the non-emergency number, 0845 33 00 222.”

We are waiting for a further response from Chicago Rock Cafe.