Emergency powers for police after threats of violence in Southampton
It follows an issue with a group of youths
Last updated 12th Jun 2022
Reports of serious violence involving a group of youths in Southampton has led to police being given extra stop and search powers in Millbrook.
The emergency power, which will run until 4.00pm on Sunday, has been implemented following an incident involving a group of youths in Windermere Avenue on Friday evening.
As reported last month, a similar incident occurred on 29 May when youths armed wooden bats, knives and metal poles damaged a property in Windermere Avenue.
Police said the occupants at a property in the road were threatened.
Temporary Inspector Andy Thomas said: "These are emergency powers and the threshold to implement them is very high, however we are using them to keep our communities safe.
"This is not a long term solution to violent disorder, but this allows us to use all the powers at our disposal to respond to immediate concerns raised by the community.
"We know some people think telling you about the Section 60 inhibits our ability to catch those responsible, however it is just as important that we prevent incidents of serious violence occurring.
"We will deal with those offenders, but we also want to prevent them from committing crime in the first place."