Gunmen opened fire on a car in Borehamwood on Tuesday night in the town's second drive-by shooting in a week.

Detectives are linking Tuesday's incident in Campions Close with a similar shooting last week and have put extra police officers on patrol in the town. No one was hurt in either shooting.

Police say four people drove into the small cul-de-sac, off Cowley Hill, in a silver Volkswagen Golf at 11pm on Tuesday night and shot a hole in the door of a black Renault Clio.

Last Wednesday, also at 11pm, a silver Rover car was shot at in Ripon Way, Borehamwood. In that case, police believe shots were fired from a dark coloured Ford Focus.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Hanlon said: "We are treating these incidents as linked and are following a number of lines of enquiry.

"Obviously, these are extremely serious incidents where an illegal firearm has been discharged in a public place.

"Thankfully, no one has been injured but it is obviously of the utmost urgency to trace those responsible.

"We would appeal to anyone who saw anything at all suspicious, or who has any information, to ring 01707 354432 in confidence.

"An increased police presence will be in Borehamwood and extra patrols will be taking place," he said.

One resident of Campions Close, Valerie Fensome, who heard the shots, said: "We just thought it was a car backfiring, but the police knocked on our door at 1.30am to ask if we'd seen anything. It is worrying me at the moment, I feel a bit scared.

"I've lived here 22 years and I've never known anything like this. It used to be a lovely close. I've no idea why they've targeted us here. They're all nice people here."

The chairman of Hertsmere crime and disorder reduction partnership, Councillor Morris Bright, said: "Whilst thankfully incidents like this are extremely rare, they are very troubling nonetheless and I'm pleased that the police are giving us the reassurance of increased patrols on the streets at this worrying time."

Anyone who can help police with their enquiries can call the crime desk on 01707 354432 or use the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.

See COMMENT