A 20-year-old woman was robbed outside her home in Harpenden.

The victim was having a cigarette in The Common when she was dragged inside by three men.

The men took a heavy safe from inside the house and loaded it into the victim’s car - a brown Honda 4X4 with the registration number plate 8PXB.

The offenders, who are described as white, were wearing balaclavas and gloves and were armed with a hockey stick, then made off in the 4X4.

They drove across bushes within the property, on to The Common and then towards Annables Lane.

Police have only just released CCTV images of the incident, which took place at around 10pm on May 14.

The victim was not injured during the attack.

She said: "The whole experience was very frightening. I am afraid to be alone in the house.

"I would ask if anyone knows anything they contact the police with any information."

Detective Inspector Pete Frost, who is investigating, said: “I am appealing for anyone who may have seen the stolen 4X4 later that night or since the robbery.

"The vehicle has branding on it so it may look like a hire car to members of the public.

“The wording ‘Brayley Honda St Albans’ is printed on the driver and front passenger doors and the website address ‘www.brayley-honda.co.uk’ is displayed on the back of the vehicle.

“The safe had nothing of value inside it so may have since been dumped. I am keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the safe, perhaps dumped by the side of the road, or who may have been offered it for sale.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DI Frost via the Hertfordshire Constabulary non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number F2/16/788.