Armed police patrol Dudley streets as section 60 powers granted
Armed police officers were patrolling the streets of Dudley last night after a spate of violent crime.
Firearms officers joined response units and local police teams across the borough after a series of violent incidents, including the murder of a 34-year-old father in Lower Gornal on Tuesday.
For the third night in a row, officers were also granted temporary powers to stop and search anyone where they believed there was a risk of violence or weapons being used.
The section 60 powers, which mean officers do not need the usual 'reasonable grounds' justification to stop and search people, were in place from 6pm last night until 3am on Saturday.
The powers applied in the St Thomas’s ward, including the Kate’s Hill area, as well as in parts of the St James, Castle and Priory, Netherton Woodside and St. Andrews wards.
West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent for Dudley, Sally Bourner, said: “The decision to use section 60 powers is not one we take lightly, but is in response to events in the borough this week.
“It’s another step in our relentless fight against violence and knife crime in Dudley, and I hope the community feel reassured by the presence of extra officers.
“Although the powers are extremely effective at preventing serious crime, and taking weapons of the street, it’s not solely about arresting offenders.
"It’s a valuable opportunity for officers to engage with businesses and residents in the local area, and discuss concerns.”
The police action comes after a 34-year-old man, named locally as Yasir Hussain, was knifed to death in Central Drive, Lower Gornal, after a van rammed a car into the front of a Chinese takeaway.
A 20-year-old man from West Bromwich has been charged with his murder and was due in court on Saturday morning.
Three other men, aged 32, 36 and 41, were arrested on suspicion of murder at an address in Lower Gornal on Tuesday but have since been released pending further investigations.
Anyone with information about violent crime or suspicious activity is urged to contact police on 101 or via the live chat on the force website.
