The Town Mayor spoke out about policing in the borough this week after she waited 12 hours for an officer to respond to an emergency call.

Councillor Jean Heywood phoned 999 at around 12.40am on Saturday after a teenager was attacked close to her Borehamwood home.

She was initially told that officers were on their way, but later received a call to say they would not be able to attend due to other emergencies.

Hertfordshire Constabulary claims that, at the time, local officers were dealing with a violent domestic incident and a fight involving several people.

Mrs Heywood said: "The police have dragged their feet in the past, but at least they turned up this time they left it until the next day."

Police officers visited the injured teenager at around 1.30pm on Saturday. Police confirmed Mrs Heywood made three emergency calls, but said it would be inappropriate to comment if she was making a formal complaint.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and granted police bail to allow time for officers to make further enquiries.