A 21-year-old man has been remanded in custody following an incident in which a teenager’s hand was reportedly “chopped off”.

Che Ambe of Caractacus Cottage View, Watford, appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court today charged with grievous bodily harm.

He was remanded until Monday, March 18.

Hertfordshire Constabulary were called to a scene in Long Elms, Abbots Langley where an 18-year-old man suffered life-changing injuries on Sunday (February 10) at around 8.30pm.

Two men were arrested and the victim was rushed to hospital for treatment.

At the time, Hertfordshire police said a “knife” was used to attack the man – but other reports suggest a machete was used.

A 17-year-old boy from Watford who was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm has been released under investigation.

Sergeant Christopher Simmons, from the Abbots Langley Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I would like to stress that we are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this alleged offence and there is no increased risk to the wider public. We will be increasing patrols locally to provide reassurance and would like to encourage you to approach officers to discuss any concerns that you may have.

“If you have any information that you think may be useful, including dash cam footage or CCTV of the immediate vicinity of Long Elms or The Fairway in Abbots Langley on February 10, between 8.25pm and 8.35pm, please contact me or DC Steve Mason from Three rivers Local Crime Unit.”

Anyone with information can email christopher.simmons@herts.pnn.police.uk or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/13516/19. You can also report information online at www.herts.police.uk/Report

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org