Woman in 70s taken to hospital after sustaining black eye in incident in Hertfordshire

This article is more than 5 months old

This article is more than 5 months old

Three teenagers have been arrested after an elderly couple were allegedly coughed at and assaulted in Hertfordshire.

Police said the couple were approached by three males before one coughed in their faces in Paynes Park in Hitchin shortly before 1pm on Friday.

One of the alleged victims, a woman in her 70s, sustained a black eye and was taken to hospital for a checkup before being released, according to a spokesman for Hertfordshire constabulary.

A man in his 30s who tried to intervene to help the couple also sustained bruising to his face, police said, and his vehicle was attacked.

Three males, aged 16, 18 and 19, were arrested and interviewed under caution before being released under investigation.

Police warned people not to post details of the case or footage of the alleged incident on social media as it could jeopardise future legal proceedings.

A spokesman said: “It has also come to our attention that there is footage circulating on social media and we would politely ask that people refrain from sharing the video for the same reasons.”

The incident in Hitchin came 24 hours after a man was arrested in the West Midlands after coughing on shop staff and claiming to be infected with the coronavirus. Officers had been called to Dudley High Street to reports of a theft on Thursday afternoon.

They detained a 57-year-old man on suspicion of theft and assault after several people reported a man coughing on shop staff who suspected him of stealing.

In a statement, West Midlands police said: “The man, who is from Dudley and has suspected mental health issues, has been taken into custody and will be questioned in due course.

“Those affected have been given appropriate advice and referred to the non-emergency NHS helpline for further support and guidance.”