Teenage stabbing sparks police to deploy emergency powers to stop and search people amid fears of spiralling violence

It comes after an 18-year-old victim was found in a serious condition at 2.45am by passers-by on Saturday in Manor Road North, Southampton. The Section 60 power was used from Saturday evening to Monday morning in the Merryoak area.

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‘Section 60 can be implemented in areas where either serious violence has occurred or police believe serious violence is about to occur and gives officers the power to stop and search anyone in a designated location, without the restrictions of normal stop and search,’ the force said in a statement. ‘Officers will be looking to apprehend those looking to cause serious violence and carrying offensive weapons or bladed articles.

‘Officers patrolling the area are able to stop and search anyone while Section 60 is in use. The threshold to implement a Section 60 power is very high and we have it as a tactic to keep communities safe.

‘As a result, officers patrolling the area defined in the map will be able to stop and search anyone in the area for 24 hours. The power can be reviewed at that time and extended if appropriate.

‘We only use Section 60 as an emergency short-term tactic. We do not suggest that it is a long-term solution to violent disorder or weapon related crime, however we have concerns raised by the community and this is currently part of our response.

‘We are aware that some will think this inhibits our ability to catch those carrying weapons, however it is important communities are informed we are taking action. It is also helps prevent other incidents of serious violence occurring and so helps us prevent crime.’

Twenty two stop and searches took place in Merryoak after the Secton 60 was put in place. It led to an offensive weapon being recovered and Class B drugs. A 17-year-old was arrested in connection with those discoveries. He has since been released under investigation. A 16-year-old was also given a community resolution for possession of cannabis.