A man from Northampton has been charged after an attempted armed robbery in Hatfield.

Liam Boby, 23, of Flaxlands Court, Northampton, was allegedly involved in the incident, which took place at around 9.07am on Friday, April 1.

A "gun-wielding" thief was spotted at H&T Pawnbrokers in Hatfield town centre, and a member of staff triggered the alarm.

Hertfordshire Constabulary's armed policing unit rushed to the scene, and found a gun discarded nearby.

The offender fled when the alarm sounded.

Detective Inspector Adam Bridges, from the Welwyn Hatfield Local Crime Unit, said: "Thankfully no one was hurt during the incident but it was understandably a frightening ordeal."

Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Kash Hussain said: "I understand this news will be alarming to residents but I would like to reassure you that we are carrying out extensive enquiries to trace the offender and we do not believe there to be a wider threat to the community.

"Armed officers were immediately deployed to the scene to carry out a search and our officers remain at the scene carrying out further enquiries."

Boby is due to appear at St Albans Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Tuesday, May 3.

Hertfordshire Constabulary's appeal is ongoing.

Witnesses can report information online at www.herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator online (www.herts.police.uk/contact) or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/25727/22.

Alternatively, anonymous reports can be handed to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online: www.crimestoppers-uk.org