Assault in Thornhill - police appeal for witnesses and additional Stop & Search powers implemented

A map showing the Section 60 Stop & Search area

We’re appealing for witnesses following an assault in Thornhill.

Police have received reports of an incident between 8pm and 9.15pm last night (Saturday 15 July), during which a 17-year-old boy was assaulted in Hinkler Green and suffered a non-life threatening wound to his leg, suspected to have been caused by a knife.

Enquiries remain in the early stages to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, who was involved and how the boy came to sustain an injury.

Officers will be in the area scoping for CCTV and speaking to witnesses, and we would also appeal for anyone with information to please call us.

Did you see what happened? Do you have any CCTV, doorbell camera footage or Dash Cam footage in the area that may have captured something between the hours of 8pm and 9.15pm last night?

We ask people not to share this publicly or on social media, and provide this to police in the first instance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44230284945. You can also submit information to us online here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

This weekend we are also implementing additional stop and search powers in Thornhill and the surrounding areas under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

The emergency powers, which will cover the areas captured in the map, have been in place since 12pm today (Sunday 16 July) and will remain until 11.30am tomorrow.

Inspector Barry Hickman said: “You can expect to see an increased police presence in the Thornhill area as officers follow every line of enquiry available in relation to the assault, and we will also have additional officers patrolling the area and making use of Stop and Search.

“Section 60 powers such as these can be implemented in areas where either serious violence has occurred or police believe serious violence is about to occur. The powers give officers the power to stop and search anyone in a designated location, without the restrictions of normal stop and search.

“We understand that violence involving young people can cause particular concern to communities. Please be reassured that enquiries are being progressed as a priority and we will have a number of officers in the area who are approachable if you have any concerns, or any information about the assault.”