Newham police temporarily increase stop and search powers after stabbing of teenager
The 13-year-old was stabbed at around 7pm on Thursday evening in Gainsborough Avenue. Picture: Google - Credit: Archant
Newham police are increasing their stop and search powers in reaction to a stabbing of a 13-year-old in Gainsborough Avenue yesterday.
Commander Breen has authorised a section 60 order, which increases the right of the police to search people in a defined area if they believe serious violence is likely to take place.
The order will be in place until Saturday at 6am.
Police were called after a 13-year-old was stabbed near Little Ilford Park on Thursday evening. Three youths were arrested on suspicion of grevious bodily harm.
The boy is in a serious but stable condition.
Section 60 orders of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 are only authorised when deemed a “proportionate and necessary response”. They are different to regular stop and searches as they require the authority of a senior officer and officers do not need reasonable grounds to believe the suspect is carrying a dangerous weapon to carry out a search.