MASKED robbers hijacked a van in Hatfield with the driver still in it.

A white Vauxhall Insignia VXR over-took the City Link van, in Comet Way, and suddenly broke.

Two thugs jumped out the vehicle and forced their way into the van, pushing the driver out of his seat.

They drove off with van driver still in the vehicle and with a third offender following in the Vauxhall.

The van was driven to Porters Park in Shenley, Borehamwood, where they unloaded a stash of mobile phones, including iPhones, BlackBerrys and Nokias.

The robbers drove off in the Vauxhall, ditching the City Link van and its driver, who was luckily unharmed.

Investigating officer, detective constable Andy Boyer, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim to go through and, despite being shaken, I am pleased to say he was not injured.

“We are doing everything we can to find those responsible for this crime and are currently following a line of inquiry that the incident could have been targeted.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of Comet Way when the incident took place and saw anything suspicious to get in contact. I’d also like to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicles travelling along the road from Hatfield to Shenley, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in Porters Park.”

He added: “In addition to this, I’d like to speak to anyone from the local areas that may have been offered an iPhone, Nokia or BlackBerry mobile for sale. Any information you provide, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help us to bring those responsible for this crime to justice.”

Both offenders are described as white and both covered their face, one of which used a form of snood.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Boyer or Detective Sergeant Paul Rodgers on the non-emergency number 0845 3300 222 citing crime reference number B2/11/1669.