MASKED robbers car-jacked a courier in Hatfield and then dumped him in Shenley, stealing several mobile phones.

The incident happened at around 6.20pm on Tuesday, May 10, when a yellow City Link van was driving along Comet Way towards Hatfield.

It is believed three offenders in a white Vauxhall Insignia VXR pulled in front of the van and slowed down, causing it to stop.

Two men got out and forced their way into the City Link van, pushing the driver out of his seat and driving off with him in the vehicle.

Followed by a third offender in the Vauxhall, the culprits pulled over in Porters Park, Shenley, where they unloaded the contents of the van and got back into their original car.

The courier was left at the scene, shaken but uninjured.

The thieves stole a number of mobile phones, including iPhones, Blackberrys and Nokias.

The two offenders who got into the van are described as white males, however both had covered their faces.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Andy Boyer, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim to go through and, despite being shaken, I am pleased to say he was not injured.

  “We are doing everything we can to find those responsible for this crime and are currently following a line of inquiry that the incident could have been targeted.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of Comet Way when the incident took place and saw anything suspicious to get in contact. I’d also like to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicles travelling along the road from Hatfield to Shenley, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in Porters Park.”

Police say they believe the robbers travelled along the A1M and M25 before they arrived at Porters Park.

  DC Boyer added: “In addition to this, I’d like to speak to anyone from the local areas that may have been offered an iPhone, Nokia or Blackberry mobile for sale. Any information you provide, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help us to bring those responsible for this crime to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Boyer or Detective Sergeant Paul Rodgers on the non-emergency number 0845 3300 222 citing crime reference number B2/11/1669. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.