Stop and search powers in force across Swindon
It follows a number of incidents over the weekend
Last updated 15th Jun 2024
Until 6 o’clock tonight (June 19), police in Swindon have been handed extra stop and search powers.
It follows two separate incidents in the town yesterday, with police saying they are having to bring-in ‘proportional but robust action’ to help maintain public safety, and to reassure the public.
The 24-hour Section 60 and Section 60AA orders cover an area specified by the map (below), and lets police officers stop and search anyone within that designated area without the need of reasonable grounds.
The 60AA order further extends these powers to allow officers to require them to remove face coverings which might obscure their identification
Superintendent Liz Coles said: “The orders have been put in place in response to a number of quite serious incidents in the Swindon area today; these include two assaults in which weapons were used, which will understandably have sparked community concern.
“We hope that the public will be assured that we are taking this proportional but robust action in order to support our front line officers in maintaining public safety and proactively tackling potential disorder.”
Two incidents on Sunday involving knives
Police have launched an appeal for information following both incidents, which involved knives, yesterday (18 June).
Moredon Road
At about 13:30, two men were attacked on Moredon Road in the town, with both of them admitted to hospital with serious but non life threatening injuries, in which it's thought by police that 'a bladed weapon may have been used'.
Detective Inspector Rachel Hardy said: “It’s important that we hear from anyone who was in the Moredon Road area at about 1.30pm today.
“We are also asking anyone with a dash cam or doorbell camera to please get in touch.
“Members of the public will notice an increased police presence in the area in response to this ongoing incident.
“If you know who might be responsible, I would urge you not to approach them but to call us immediately.”
Anyone who saw what took place or who may have dashcam footage is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 54230063762.
Thornford Drive
At about 16:20, police were called after a victim is reported to have been attacked inside a property in Thornford Drive.
He is reported by police to have been stabbed and attacked in his own home, and suffered from serious but not life threatening injuries.
A man was arrested in connection on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.
He is currently in police custody.
Anyone with information about this incident or potential witnesses are asked to call us on 101 quoting log 266 of 18/06.
In an emergency, you are reminded to always call 999.
For more information on how a section 60 order operates, click here.