Officers arrest teenager following increased stop and search powers in Southampton

A 14-year-old boy from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 – causing grievous bodily harm with intent following stop and search powers that were enacted under a Section 60 order in Thornhill yesterday.

He remains in custody at this time.

This comes following an assault just after 7pm on Sunday on Linacre Road in which a 14-year-old boy suffered a stab wound to his back.

The emergency powers were in place between 3.10pm yesterday afternoon (Monday 10 July) and were lifted at 9.30am this morning (Tuesday 11 July).

During the period of the Section 60 being implemented, 25 stop searches were conducted.

A 25-year-old man and a 58-year-old man – both from Southampton – were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug following a vehicle stop search on Lydgate Road as part of the Section 60. They remain in custody at this time.

Whilst two Community Resolution Orders were issued for possession of a Class B drug – namely cannabis during stop searches.

Inspector Stacey Kirby, said: “Section 60 is an emergency power and can be put in place quickly to prevent incidents of serious violence. It was implemented following an incident on Linacre Road earlier this week.

“This power also enables us to apprehend those who are carrying weapons in the area or are involved in planned serious violence.

“I would like to stress that we are not able to undertake this type of activity without information from communities. We act on the information you provide to us and we have responded accordingly.

“We promote our Section 60 emergency powers because we want to take every opportunity to prevent serious violence. It is also important that our communities know that we are in their neighbourhoods, taking action in relation to violent crime. This may result in an increased police presence.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing support in us taking this action. You are our eyes and ears out there so if you see or hear anything suspicious, or if you have any concerns or issues, please do get in touch. We must continue to work together to tackle serious violence in our communities. Information we receive from the community allows us take these steps and prevent further crime.

“If you have any concerns or information we should know, please do call 101 quoting 44230275652 or via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. You can also report this to us via independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“However, if you are concerned about someone carrying weapons in your neighbourhood, or you see something suspicious you think is potentially related to serious violence, please dial 999.”