St Albans: Detectives investigating a mysterious incident in St Albans are urging a woman to call back after she phoned and told officers it was a prank.

The woman called police in a response to an appeal launched when two witnesses saw a young woman lying in the boot of a car travelling along The Park in Marshalswick on Friday, June 28.

The witnesses contacted police when the boot of the car flew open to reveal the woman, before the driver stopped and a man got out and shut it. The vehicle then headed in the direction towards Faircross Way.

Officers have been treating the incident seriously and appealed for anyone with information to come forward, particularly if it was a prank or a domestic incident that has since been resolved, so they could conclude their investigation.

Detective Inspector Hugh Borgeat said: "Following our appeal for information a young woman rang in and said that the incident had been a prank but she could not say any more about it.

"The woman put the phone down before we could take her details and we are not able to get in touch with her again.

"It is very important that this woman makes contact with us again as we need to clarify some details. We cannot close the book on our investigation solely on the information she gave.

"We are not interested in prosecuting anyone if it was a prank we just need to ensure that the information we have been given is genuine."

The woman, or anyone else with information about the incident, is asked to contact DI Borgeat on 01727 796061.

Calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Alternatively, you can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

July 11, 2002 09:30