Two teenagers arrested and a Section 60 order put in place in Newbury by Thames Valley Police after attack

Thames Valley Police has issued a Section 60 order following serious violence in Newbury.

The order was put into force today (Tuesday) after a man was attacked by a group of men on Dickens Walk.

The incident is believed to have taken place yesterday (Monday).

The victim was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital where he remains, in a serious condition.

Two arrests have been made in relation to the incident.

A 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man, both from Newbury, have been arrested for GBH with intent.

The Section 60 order allows officers to exercise extra powers to carry out stop and searches and will expire at 9.30am tomorrow (Wednesday).

It covers the area between Greenham Road and the A339 from the Burger King roundabout down to Newbury College.

Inspector Al Hawkett, based at Newbury police station, said: “This order has been put in place following yesterday’s incident in Newbury.

“This order is in place to ensure public safety, while also giving police extra power to search people who they think could be involved in violence, and to take weapons off the street.

“I understand that an order of this nature could cause concern, but whilst a Section 60 order may sound alarming, enhancing our stop and search powers provides us with another tactic to quickly identify and disrupt those carrying weapons.

“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 whilst 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.

“We are continuing to appeal to anyone who has any information that may assist with our investigation into the assault, and would urge you to make contact with us either online or by calling 101 with reference number 43230200429.”