Section 60 powers granted in Rugby

A Section 60 notice has been issued in Rugby earlier this afternoon – giving officers powers to stop and search any person or vehicle to look for offensive weapons.

The force is using these powers because they have concerns about individuals carrying weapons in the area today.

They do not believe there is any risk to the wider public.

The Notice authorises any Constable in uniform in the locality to exercise the powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994:

• to stop and search any pedestrian, or anything carried by them for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments without good reason, or

• to stop and search any vehicle, its driver and any passenger, for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments.

This is an emergency power that we're told will be kept under constant review through the evening.

The notice will be withdrawn as soon as the concerns cease.

CI Naughton said: "We know this might be concerning but I would like to reassure everyone that this is pre-emptive step we're taking to make sure our communities are safe.

"Your neighbourhood officers will be out in higher numbers than normal this evening so please stop and have a chat if you're worried. They're here for you and to make sure you're all safe."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.