Police given extra powers after two serious assaults in Reading
Police have issued a section 60 order which gives them extra powers of stop and search in the Tilehurst area of the town
Last updated 5th Aug 2022
Police have been given extra stop and search powers after two incidents of grievous bodily harm in the Reading area yesterday (4/8).
The Section 60 order covers the area shown on the map: Oxford Road, Long Lane, Sulham Hill, Little Heath Road, City Road, Park Lane, Mayfair, Meadway, Water Road and Grovelands Road.
It will be in place for a period of 24 hours and will expire at 12:10am tomorrow (6/8).
The order has been put in place in response to two linked incidents last night.
At about 6.10pm, the victim, a man in his teens, was hit by a van on Pierces Hill, Tilehurst.
Shortly before this an incident of grievous bodily harm occurred in Southcote.
Inspector Elliot Male said:
“This order has been put in place following two serious assaults that have taken place in a short space of time in the Reading area where the victims were left with injuries.
“This order is in place to ensure public safety, while also giving police extra power to search people who they think could be involved in violence, and to take weapons off the street.
“I understand that an order of this nature could cause concern, but whilst a Section 60 order may sound alarming, enhancing our stop and search powers provides us with another tactic to quickly identify and disrupt those carrying weapons.
“If you are stopped by an officer, please do not be worried as this does not mean that you are in trouble. You will see more police officers in the area whilst the order is in place and we expect to carry out more stop and searches than usual.
“Officers who are out and about are there to reassure you as well as using their powers under Section 60 so please do stop and speak with them about any concerns that you have.
“We are appealing to anyone who has any information about either of these incidents to contact police, either online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220347031.
“If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or on 0800 555 111.”
For more information on stop and search, please visit https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/st-s/stop-and-search/