Emergency police powers extended in Walsall and Bloxwich after eruption of serious violence
Emergency powers have been brought in by police for Walsall and Bloxwich after serious violence erupted in the town centre.
The Section 60 has been put in by Walsall Police and will run until 3am on Wednesday. It covers Bloxwich, Blakenall and Mossley. A second order covers Walsall town centre and parts of Birchills.
The order gives officers the power to stop and search people suspected of being involved in violence without the need for reasonable grounds.
Multiple police cars and ambulance descended on the town yesterday lunchtime, while the police helicopter was spotted above, amid reports of a stabbing, a car crash and a group wielding weapons.
Serious violence broke out in Bloxwich High Street on Monday afternoon shortly before 1pm where a 25-year-old man was stabbed. He received injuries not believed to be life threatening. West Midlands Police said the victim was dropped off outside the police station in Station Street.
Shortly afterwards disorder broke out in Park Road, when a car crashed into a lamppost following reports of a group wielding weapons.
A 15-year-old boy was then stabbed shortly before 6pm on Gallery Square in the town centre. He was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
West Midlands Police said in a statement on Wednesday evening: "We are now using Section 60 powers in both Walsall and Bloxwich in response to two stabbings and incidents of disorder yesterday (28 Nov).
"A Section 60 order was already in place in Bloxwich and will now be extended to 3am tomorrow (30 Nov). This covers the Bloxwich, Blakenall and Mossley areas.
"The additional Section 60 order will cover Walsall town centre and parts of Birchills. This will also run until 3am tomorrow.
"It gives us the power to stop and search people we suspect may be involved in violence, without the need to have reasonable grounds.
"The Section 60 orders are in place after serious violence in Bloxwich High Street yesterday afternoon shortly before 1pm where a 25-year-old man was stabbed. He received injuries not believed to be life threatening.
"No arrests have been made at this stage. Officers are making enquiries and are studying CCTV.
"There was disorder in Park Road shortly after when a car crashed into a lamppost following reports of a group wielding weapons.
"A 15-year-old boy was then stabbed shortly before 6pm on Gallery Square in the town centre. He was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. "
Inspector Amanda Thompson, from Force CID at Bloxwich said: "We are investigating two stabbings and incidents of disorder in Bloxwich and Walsall yesterday. We are currently looking at CCTV and urge anyone with any information to contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling us on 101.”
"A 14-year-old boy was also taken into custody on suspicion of possessing firearms after being arrested from an address in Bloxwich."
Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, of Walsall and Bloxwich NPU, said: "We don't take the decision to use S60 lightly and only after careful consideration. These powers allow us to stop and search people we may suspect may be involved in violence, or carrying weapons, without the need to have reasonable grounds. Our aim is to keep everyone safe.
“We will have increased patrols in these areas and uniformed officers. The increased presence of officers and the additional powers helps us to keep our communities safe.”
