Residents are in shock after a 27-year-old man was attacked outside a busy supermarket.

Police were called to Tesco after reports the man had been assaulted by two men outside the store.

Tesco staff gave first aid to the man before he was taken to hospital with head injuries, where he remains in a serious condition.

The Borehamwood and Elstree Neighbourhood Team visited Tesco yesterday evening to ease worries from residents.

One resident, who did not want to give their name, said: "I found out about the attack online, the news spread really quickly. This kind of thing doesn't happen here much and everyone has been worried about it ever since."

Another added: "I just can't believe something like that could happen here. So shocked."

Councillor Sandra Parnell, who represents Borehamwood Hillside ward, said: “I’m absolutely surprised to hear of this. For an attack to happen in Borehamwood is incredibly disturbing.

“We are known in Hertsmere as being a very safe place to live and the Community Safety Partnership reports show that crime has gone down in the area. This is dreadful news, but the police will be working hard on the case and Borehamwood is definitely still a safe place to live.”

The police did not release any further information when contacted by the Borehamwood Times.

Detective Sergeant Dave Smith from the Hertsmere Local Crime Unit has said: “The man is in hospital where his condition remains serious but stable. We are appealing for any witnesses to the assault to come forward so we can establish exactly what happened.

“We are keeping an open mind about the motive for the assault and how he received his injuries, but are trying to trace two men known to the victim.”

After news of the incident spread, many people took to Twitter to express their shock.

Tamara said: “Slightly scared to go to Tesco now after this stabbing in Borehamwood.”

Sophie said: “So someone got stabbed in Borehamwood Tesco. What is the world coming to?”

Police are still appealing for witnesses and ask that anyone who has information on the incident contact police quoting reference 524 of April 28 on the non-emergency number 101.

Did you see the incident? Call the news desk on 07824 530110