As February 2019 began, health bosses ruled out a new hospital demanded by campaigners as too expensive - but a Freedom of Information request revealed current buildings are “well past their best”.

West Herts Hospitals Trust (WHHT) rejected proposals put forward by campaign groups such as the New Hospital Campaign, which called for a new emergency and specialist hospital for West Hertfordshire, possibly close to the M25.

Rather than build a new hospital, the trust opted for one of four affordable options; all keeping Watford General Hospital as a “hot site” for specialised care while other hospitals provide “planned” care.

A Watford FC home win against Everton was marred after a brawl in Vicarage Road.

Two Watford fans were taken to hospital with bruising and cuts to their faces and four people were arrested after the 1-0 win on February 9.

Two men were arrested and charged after a man’s hand was reportedly “chopped off”.

The victim suffered “life-changing injuries” in in Long Elms, Abbots Langley, on February 10.

Che Ambe, 21, of Caractacus Cottage View, Watford, was charged with grievous bodily harm.

A man who shot a doctor with a crossbow because he blamed him for his father’s death was jailed for 20 years.

Mark Waterfall, 46, of Fairhaven Crescent, South Oxhey, was sentenced on February 15 after being found guilty on January 9.

A woman pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a hit-and-run at a Tesco car park that left an employee seriously injured.

Footage went viral on social media of a blue vehicle trying to flee Tesco in Rickmansworth, just two days before Christmas 2018.

A woman was taken to Watford General Hospital with a serious injury.

Lucy Turner, 32, of Organ Hall Road in Borehamwood, has admitted attempted theft, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, use of a motor vehicle without insurance, driving while disqualified, failing to stop after a collision and failing to report the collision.