A pair of brave firefighters were attacked when they tried to stop would-be bank thieves in Radlett last week.

The suspects were keeping watch over a device they had attached to a cash machine and punched a 27-year-old Radlett firefighter in the head and ribs when he removed it.

The injured firefighter, who does not want to be named, and Radlett Fire Station Commander Tony Smith were outside NatWest bank in Watling Street at 8.15pm last Friday when they noticed the card-scanning device. They pulled it off the machine and were set upon by four or five men, who punched the firefighter on his temple and in the ribs and then ran off up Aldenham Road.

Mr Smith said: "We noticed a grey panel clipped onto the machine, covering about half of it. We had a look at it and pulled it off and then we were approached by four or five lads who managed to attack his colleague who was holding it.

"We were just really frustrated that we didn't manage to get hold of them."

A NatWest spokesman said: "We thank the firemen for noticing the device and taking action."

The suspects are described as possibly eastern European, of medium build and between 5ft 8in and 5ft 9in. Anyone with information can call police on 0845 3300222.