Three charged with attempted murder at playground

Police said a man suffered stab wounds to the neck and torso during the incident at Franklin Avenue

Three teenagers have been charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed multiple times in a playground.

Two of the boys - who come from the Birmingham area - were also charged with drug offences in connection with the incident in Watford.

Hertfordshire Police said a 34-year-old man was allegedly attacked in Harwoods Recreation Ground on Sunday evening and remained in a critical condition.

Detectives said it was a "fast-paced investigation", and officers arrested a fourth person on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police said they believed this was a targeted attack, and that those involved know each other.

They continued to appeal for witnesses to any suspicious activity near Faraday Court on Franklin Avenue or Vicarage Road, between 20:00 BST and 20:30 on Sunday.

Detectives were appealing for witnesses to the attack at Harwoods Recreation Ground in Watford

The three males who have been charged cannot be named for legal reasons and are due to appear at Hatfield Remand Court on Thursday.

A 17-year-old from Smethwick near Birmingham has been charged with attempted murder.

Two 16-year-olds from Smethwick and Oldbury face the same charge, as well as possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

Det Insp Chris Parperi, who leads Watford CID, said: "This has been, and continues to be, a fast-paced and complex investigation, but we are pleased to have secured charges for three people, and arrested a fourth.

"Our thoughts continue to be with the victim, whose condition remains serious, as we await the outcome of today's court hearing."