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Section 60 order after violent disorder incident with metal poles, machetes and knives
24/08/2023
The order is in place until Friday at 1.30pm but could be extended
A section 60 order has been put in place in an area of Banbury to prevent further violence occurring after a violent incident involving metal poles, machetes and knives at the Orchard Health Centre on Wednesday.
The order covers Neithrop and Ruscote (as indicated on the map).
Two men have been arrested following the violent disorder at the Health Centre, which happened at around 6.40pm.
One, aged 20 from Banbury, was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. The second, an 18-year-old man from Banbury, was arrested on suspicion of affray. Both men remain in police custody.
A Section 60 covers a specific area for a period of time, when a senior officer believes there is a possibility of serious violence, or weapons being carried. The order enhances powers for officers, meaning they can stop and search anyone in the area.
The order is due to expire at 1.30pm on Friday, but can be extended if needed.
Sergeant Gavin Staniland said: “We are doing everything we can to investigate this incident and identify and locate those involved.
“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.
“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.”
Anyone with information about the incident at the Orchard Health Centre should call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference number 43230378088.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam