Section 60 powers extended in Walsall
It's after a 20 year old man was attacked and killed in the town centre in the early hours of Saturday morning
Police say they will be using Section 60 powers again today into tomorrow morning following the murder of Bailey Atkinson in Walsall town centre.
Police say they've been using Section 60 powers in both Walsall and Bloxwich after Bailey was attacked on High Street, Walsall, near Asda, in the early hours of Saturday morning (28 January) and died a short time later.
A Section 60 Order gives them the power to stop and search people they suspect may be involved in violence, without the need to have reasonable grounds.
They use them when they feel there is a risk of violence, and they help to keep people safe.
It will be in place from until 7am tomorrow covering the areas of St Matthews, Bloxwich West and East, Blakenall, Birchills and Leamore.
Sergeant Phil Upton, Neighbourhood Policing Supervisor, said: "We don't take the decision to use S60 lightly and only after careful consideration.
"These powers allow us to stop and search people we may suspect may be involved in violence, or carrying weapons, without the need to have reasonable grounds. Our aim is to keep everyone safe.
“We will have increased patrols in these areas and uniformed officers. The increased presence of officers and the additional powers helps us to keep our communities safe.”
The murder investigation into Bailey's death continues and we are working around the clock to identify those behind his killing.
Our investigation is making progress and we’re following up a number of positive lines of enquiry.
Anyone with CCTV, mobile phone footage or dashcam footage has been asked not to share it on social media, but to get in touch with us.