Police in Birmingham using stop and search powers after boy, 13, stabbed
Officers are using Section 60 powers in Birmingham city centre until 11pm tonight.
Police in Birmingham will be using additional stop and search powers after the stabbing of a 13-year-old boy in Birmingham city centre.
The Section 60 powers are in place until 11pm tonight (Thursday) and give officers the ability to stop and search people they suspect may be involved in violence, without the need for reasonable grounds.
It comes after a number of incidents, including an attack on a 13-year-old boy in Stephenson Place yesterday afternoon.
He was taken to hospital after being attacked at around 4.30pm. Police believe he was targeted by a group of youths.
His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
Ch Insp Richard Evans, of Birmingham Police, said: “This was an appalling attack on a young boy in the heart of the city centre.
“We quickly put in place temporary powers, called section 60 powers, giving us the ability to stop and search people without the normal need for us to have reasonable grounds.
“It’s not something we do lightly, but we did this to protect everyone visiting and working in the city centre. We’re considering using those powers again today to continue to keep people safe, and will share the results so that they be scrutinised.
“We’ll continue to have officers in the city centre today to reassure people, while we continue to work with partners to reduce knife crime in the West Midlands."
Police have set up a dedicated web page here where people can send information, photos and videos that could help the investigation.