Stop and search powers extended in Walsall and Bloxwich after two stabbings
The Section 60 powers covered Bloxwich, Blakenall and Mossley areas
Police extended their use of 'Section 60 powers' in both Walsall and Bloxwich overnight in response to two stabbings and incidents of disorder on Monday.
A Section 60 order was already in place in Bloxwich and was then extended to 3am Wednesday morning. It covered the Bloxwich, Blakenall and Mossley areas as well as Walsall town centre and parts of Birchills.
It gives police the power to stop and search people they suspect may be involved in violence, without the need to have reasonable grounds.
The Section 60 orders were in place after serious violence in Bloxwich High Street yesterday afternoon shortly before 1pm where a 25-year-old man was stabbed. He received injuries not believed to be life threatening.
No arrests have been made at this stage. Officers are making enquiries and are studying CCTV.
There was disorder in Park Road shortly after when a car crashed into a lamppost following reports of a group wielding weapons.
A 15-year-old boy was then stabbed shortly before 6pm on Gallery Square in the town centre. He was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
Inspector Amanda Thompson, from Force CID at Bloxwich said: "We are investigating two stabbings and incidents of disorder in Bloxwich and Walsall yesterday.
"We are currently looking at CCTV and urge anyone with any information to contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling us on 101.”
A 14-year-old boy was also taken into custody on suspicion of possessing firearms after being arrested from an address in Bloxwich.
Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, of Walsall and Bloxwich NPU, 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.”