The Observer's first paper in September detailed how a man died after a stabbing following a three-car crash.

Luke O’Connell, 27, was found with stab wounds in the early hours of August 31 and taken to hospital following a crash involving three cars in Gammons Lane. He died later in hospital.

A grey Volkswagen Golf, a blue Vauxhall Corsa, and a black Vauxhall Astra were involved in the crash.

Mr O’Connell’s mother said: “As you can imagine we are absolutely devastated at what has happened to Luke.

“He had his whole life ahead of him and we are heartbroken.”

Aamir Mustafa, 22, of St George’s Road, Watford, appeared at St Albans Crown Court and Mohammed (also known as Hamza) Shah, 19, of Hagden Lane, Watford, appeared in court charged with murder. Both men were remanded in custody.

Police also arrested two men aged 21 and 27, both from Watford, on suspicion of murder, following an armed operation in the North Watford area on Wednesday afternoon.

September also brought news that US president Donald Trump was expected to be in Watford later this year for a NATO summit.

In the first NATO summit in the UK since 2014, world leaders would meet at The Grove Hotel in Chandlers Cross on December 4.

The summit provides an opportunity for heads of state and government of NATO member countries to come together.

As the month ended, it emerged that part of the Waterfields shopping centre site in Watford was among 50 sites earmarked for housing in the next 17 years.

Other sites included Lower High Street in Watford, land around Bushey station, Watford Junction station and the Dome Roundabout.

The council has been told by the Government it must build 12,000 homes by 2036 – the equivalent of 790 a year, but the council believes it can only build 460.