Stop and search powers remain after group attack each other in Milton Keynes
Up to 30 men were fighting with bricks and knives
Stop and search powers in place in Milton Keynes are being extended by another 24 hours, after a group of up to 30 men were fighting with bricks and knives**.**
The Section 60 order began at 7.30pm last night (23 June), and was in place for the whole of Milton Keynes.
It came into force after a violent disorder at around 5.20pm the same day, in Buckfast Play Park, in Buckfast Avenue in Bletchley.
There were reports of a group of between 20 and 30 males involved in a disorder, who were armed with bricks and bladed articles.
Six arrests have been made and they remain in custody.
From 7.30pm this evening (24 June) the order is being renewed for another 24 hours.
But, it will be in place in Bletchley, in the areas surrounded by the H8 Standing Way, Whaddon Road/Stoke Road, the A4146 and the A5.
Superintendent Marc Tarbit, LPA Commander for Milton Keynes, said:
"I would like to emphasise that the reason this Section 60 is in place, and has been extended, is to prevent further incidents of violence from taking place in Milton Keynes.
"I would also like to offer my thanks to the people of Milton Keynes for their patience and understanding while this takes place.
"While I appreciate the concern that such incidents can have to the community, I would like to offer reassurance to the public in that Thames Valley Police is taking active steps to stop such violence, and extending this Section 60 order is a way of doing this.
"At this time, none of the incidents of violence that have taken place in Milton Keynes are being treated as linked.
"The order will now focus on the area depicted in the map, and will enhance the stop and search powers of officers, allowing them to search people without needing to suspect that they may be carrying weapons.
"This will also mean an increased number of officers in the area while the order is in place.
"If you are stopped by officers, please do not let this worry or frighten you.
"It does not mean you are in trouble, and instead I would encourage people to feel reassured that officers are putting these temporary powers into use for the safety of the public.
"I will not hesitate in extending the order again if we feel necessary in order to ensure safety in Milton Keynes.
"Finally, if anyone has information about the incident in Buckfast Play Park, please make a report to us by either going online, or calling 101 and quote reference 43210276759.
"You can also call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 for 100 per cent anonymity while reporting."
There is more information on stop and search, and Section 60 orders, on Thames Valley Police's website.