A GANG of four attacked and robbed two students in Hatfield.

One of the victims was thrown to the floor by one of the thugs during the robbery in the early hours of Friday.

At around 5am the students were in Lark Rise when they were approached by the mob.

After an altercation the criminals stole a Toshiba laptop from the 21-year-old victim from Hatfield.

Nothing was taken from the other man, also aged 21, from London.

Police are now appealing for witnesses – and one passer-by in particular.

Pc Chris Stokes said: “I would like to speak to a young black man [wearing a black hooded top] who was riding a mountain bike in the area at the time the incident took place.

“If you believe you are this young witness or recognise him, please get in touch.”

The first gang member is in his early 20s, of stocky build, with a London accent and around 6ft tall.

He was wearing a black baseball cap with NY on the front in black and with gold stitching, a black thigh length coat with tooth shaped wooden fasteners, black Nike Air Max trainers and navy trousers.

The second thief is of slim build and in his late teens.

He was wearing a denim jacket with a fur lined, dark grey hood and white trainers.

The third man was in his early 20s, of medium build and around 5ft 10in. He was wearing light Adidas jogging bottoms with dark stripes down each side.

The fourth man is in his early 20s, of slim build, with ginger hair and around 5ft 10ins.

All were white.

Witnesses should call police on 0845 33 00 222.