RUMOURS of a planned knife attack between rival schools in Newbury has seen two arrests and three knives recovered.

Thames Valley Police were given stop and search powers under a Section 60 order to carry out stop and searches for weapons. 

The public order act was carried out after worried parents and local schools contacted West Berkshire police about a potential planned fight at the Michaelmas Fair. 

It was reported that three arrests were made and four knives recovered but police have now confirmed that two arrests were made for possession of a knife and three knives were in fact recovered. 

One person as referred to the Youth Offending Team for support and intervention. 

The public order act covered Newbury town centre, Victoria Park, Northcroft Park and Goldwell Park - where the fair was taking place. 

Superintendent Nick John, Local Policing Area Commander for West Berkshire, said: "Enacting Section 60 is just one method that we use to ensure weapons are kept off our streets.

"While the Section 60 was in place, 165 stop searches were conducted, three knives were recovered, two arrests were made for possession of a knife, and one person was referred to the Youth Offending Team for support and intervention.

"Knife sweeps were also carried out by officers at Goldwell Park and Northcroft Park, with the aim of locating any weapons which may have been stored. No items were recovered during these sweeps.

"Additionally, a knife arch was deployed to assist officers at a business premises on Northbrook Street, Newbury.

"As a result of police intervention, our high visibility patrols, the proactive use of stop and search allowed the community to safely enjoy a yearly tradition.

"We are encouraged that residents contacted us, and we will continue to listen to local concerns, and act accordingly to keep Newbury a safe place to enjoy local events.

"Although Section 60 has ceased, police officers will still be able to apply their ordinary stop and search powers, requiring police officers to have reasonable grounds to carry out a search where they think someone may be in possession of a weapon, controlled drugs or a tool that could be used to commit crime.

"The situation in West Berkshire will be closely monitored and if the grounds exist, a new Section 60 will be instigated."