18-year-old seriously injured in Swindon stabbing
Officers were called to the incident following reports of disorder
A teenager has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after a stabbing in Swindon.
Police say the 18-year-old was attacked on a footpath near Oakhurst Way in Redhouse just after 4pm yesterday (24/11).
Officers have now been given extra stop and search powers in the area as they investigate, with the suspects described as wearing black, in balaclavas and riding electric bikes.
This all started at 4.10pm, when they received reports of a disorder in a footpath off Oakhurst Way, near the park, during which an 18-year-old man was stabbed.
He has been taken to hospital with potentially life-changing injuries.
As a result, Section 60 and 60AA orders have been authorised by Wiltshire Police, granting officers enhanced powers to search people who are suspected of involvement in criminality and disorder.
They were authorised at 7.25pm last night and will be in place for up to 24 hours, and will be kept under constant review.
A Section 60 order comes under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act and allows police officers to stop and search anyone within the designated area without needing reasonable grounds.
The Section 60AA order further extends these powers, enabling officers to require individuals to remove face coverings that may obscure their identity.
Superintendent James Brain said: “We understand how concerning incidents like this are for the local community and we want to reassure residents that we are fully committed to tackling violent crime and keeping our streets safe.
“These orders were authorised at 7.25pm following a serious stabbing in Swindon this afternoon, granting officers temporary additional powers to stop and search individuals in the area, helping us to prevent further violence and identify those responsible.
“This does not mean people will be stopped indiscriminately and officers will still follow usual stop and search processes.
“Residents in the local area will likely see a heightened police presence in the area while officers from our CID conduct an investigation into the stabbing.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the disorder or has any dash cam or doorbell footage which may have captured the offenders.”
If you can help police, you are urged to contact them on 101 quoting log 241 of 24/11.
Information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.