An investigation into recent drive-by shootings in Borehamwood is the biggest current police operation in Hertfordshire, it was revealed this week.

And police are linking a similar shooting in St Albans last Thursday night to the two in Borehamwood on August 23 and 29.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Hanlon, who is leading the enquiry, also revealed the victims are all known to each other - which is why he knows the shootings are linked.

He said: "We've got numerous lines of enquiry which we hope will enable us to identify a suspect in the next week or so.

"We have a lot of forensic evidence from the scenes."

In the latest incident, the gunman was in a silver Volkswagen Golf - believed to be the same one used in last week's Campions Close attack - and shot the front door and window of a house and a white Ford tipper lorry in Wilshere Avenue, St Albans.

As with the two Borehamwood incidents, no one was hurt.

Wrong car targeted

Det Chf Insp Hanlon also revealed one of the people whose car was shot at in Borehamwood was not directly linked to the group of victims. He believes the intended target was a neighbour.

"It's not about people randomly discharging fire arms in a public place," he said. "The perpetrator is targeting specific addresses.

"The impact of this cannot be overstated. We are committing a lot of officers to this investigation and it is certainly the priority in Hertfordshire at the moment."

However, he said the main difficulty with the investigation was the lack of an obvious motive. Quite clearly, for somebody to use a firearm is one of the most serious offences the police investigate, but unfortunately the motive isn't forthcoming in this case.

"The individuals are unable to assist us so we are appealing to the public to help us with any information - even if it's third or fourth hand.

"To go around letting off live ammunition while anybody could be injured is totally reprehensible and we need the community's help in identifying who these people are.

"Any information will help us build a clearer picture around exactly what's happened and why."

Call 01707 354432 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.