Five teenagers arrested in Stevenage after stop and search powers put in place
It follows a fight involving weapons on Tuesday 28th June.
Last updated 30th Jun 2022
Police investigating a fight involving weapons in The Hyde in Stevenage have arrested five teenagers on suspicion of violent disorder.
Two 15 year old boys, two 16 year old boys and a 17 year old boy, all from Stevenage, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
One of the 15 year old boys was arrested for possession of a bladed article in a public place.
It comes after officers put temporary stop and search powers in place following the incident earlier this week.
In a statement Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "From 3pm on Wednesday 29 June until 7am on Thursday 30 June, officers were authorised to search anyone suspected of carrying a knife anywhere in the town."
"The additional powers were authorised under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and enable police officers to stop and search anyone in a particular area for a set period of time, without requiring reasonable grounds to do so.
"In normal circumstances, police officers must have reasonable grounds of suspicion before searching anyone."
Inspector Patrick McPeake said: “On Tuesday 28 June there was reported disorder at The Hyde involving weapons. Following the authorisation of the Section 60 powers, and as a result of extensive investigative work yesterday, we have now arrested five suspects on suspicion of causing violence. All have been arrested and bailed with conditions.
“I want to make it absolutely clear to Stevenage residents that we take knife crime very seriously and anyone caught carrying a knife, will be arrested.
“As part of our prevention first work, we have, and will continue to, attend schools to help educate children around crime, particularly knife crime and gangs. We also work with the Schools and Gangs Team to provide diversion pathways, to steer those at risk to becoming involved in crime, in another direction and submitting referrals to Stevenage Borough Council’s - No More service.
“I would encourage all parents and guardians to have that frank conversation with their children about knife crime and its implications, not only on their lives, but on the lives of others. I am also happy for my officers to support anyone who has concerns about a child getting involved in criminality and to work with parents and support agencies to prevent criminal behaviour developing.”