Police enact Section 60 order after serious violence around Dickens Walk, Greenham

Police have enacted a Section 60 order in Greenham following serious violence around Dickens Walk.

The order has been put in place in the area bordered by the A339, Greenham Road and Pinchington Lane.

It was put in place yesterday (Thursday) and is due to expire today at noon.

A Section 60 order can only be put in place in a defined area at a specific time when a senior officer believes there is a possibility of serious violence, or weapons being carried.

The order temporarily enhances powers for officers, meaning they can stop and search anyone in a designated area, shown on the map below.

Thames Valley Police said the order will be reviewed today (Friday) and may be extended further.

Inspector Alan Hawkett, based at Newbury police station, said: “We have put this Section 60 order in place in a specific area of Newbury following serious violence and to prevent potential further violence.

“The order will give our officers extra powers to carry out stop and search activity, and has been enacted for the safety of the public.

“I understand that an order of this nature could cause concern, but while it may sound alarming, enhancing our stop and search powers provides us with another tactic to quickly identify and disrupt those carrying weapons.”

He added: “If you are stopped by an officer, please do not be worried as this does not mean that you are in trouble.

“You will see more police officers in the area while the order is in place and we expect to carry out more stop and searches than usual.

“Officers who are out and about are there to reassure you as well as using their powers under Section 60 so please do stop and speak with them about any concerns that you have.”