Greenham Section 60 order results in 2 teenagers being charged and 4 people being arrested

Two 18-year-olds have been charged and four people have been arrested after a Section 60 order was put in place in Greenham last week.

The order was enacted after there was an incident of violence around Dickens Walk on Thursday, September 14.

This order was extended on Friday and expired at noon on Saturday.

Jake Bozarth, aged 18, of Newtown Road, and Jake Blanford, aged 18, of Dickens Walk, were both charged with one count of GBH.

Both men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at court at a date to be confirmed.

One man, aged 21, was arrested on suspicion of GBH and bailed until December 8 while investigations continue.

Two others, a 13-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man, were arrested on suspicion of GBH and bailed until December 4 while investigations continue.

A 20-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a constable and has been cautioned.

A Section 60 order can only be put in place in a defined area at a specific time when a senior police 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 the designated area.

Inspector Alan Hawkett, based at Newbury police station, said: “We are committed to supporting our communities and keeping everyone safe.

“While I understand that a Section 60 order may sound alarming, the enhanced stop and search powers provides us with another tactic to quickly identify and disrupt incidents of violence in the area.

“Officers who are out and about following a Section 60 order are there to reassure you as well as using their powers.

“A total of 57 stop searches were made while the order was in place.

“I would like to thank the local community for their support and patience while this Section 60 was in operation.”