UPDATE: The stop and search order has been extended for another 24 hours, until 4.25pm tomorrow (May 12).

FOLLOWING recent incidents of serious violence involving offensive weapons, a stop and search order has been put in place in Slough.

Thames Valley Police have enforced a Section 60 order in Slough from last night (May 10) and will now expire tomorrow afternoon (May 12). The original order ran until 4.25pm today (May 11) but has been extended.

The order gives the police more search powers, meaning they can stop and search anyone in the area shown on the map.

Section 60 order has been put in place as the force believes that incidents of serious violence may take place and offenders may be carrying offensive weapons in public.

The order will be reviewed today and could be extended further.

 

Slough Observer: Area affected by section 60 order

Inspector Mark Barnikel, based at Slough police station, said: “We have put this order in place to prevent violence in a specific area of Slough following recent incidents involving offensive weapons.

“This is just one of many tactics we can use to deter violence, but I hope it makes anyone considering committing violent offences or carrying a knife think twice.

“The order will give our officers extra powers to carry out stop and search activity and has been enacted for the safety of the public.

“I understand that an order of this nature could cause concern, but while it may sound alarming, enhancing our stop and search powers provides us with another tactic to quickly identify and disrupt those carrying weapons.

“If you are stopped by an officer, please do not be worried as this does not mean that you are in trouble.

“You will see more police officers in the area while the order is in place, and we expect to carry out more stop and searches than usual.

“Officers who are out and about are there to reassure you as well as using their powers under Section 60 so please do stop and speak with them about any concerns that you have.”