New section 60 order in place for Milton Keynes as police make arrest and recover blades after gang knife fight

The latest in a long series of Section 60 orders - which give police enhance stop and search powers - was authorised overnight and is set to run until this evening (July 19).

The order began at 9.14pm last night (Monday) and will be in place for 24 hours, where it will be reviewed and could be extended.

The order is in place for the area as shown in the map, which are the estates bounded by V4 Watling Street, Stratford Road, V6 Grafton Street and H3 Monks Way.

It has been activated following reports of an incident which took place in Ardwell Lane and Barkers Croft in Greenleys at 8pm on Monday, which involved a number of people in an altercation armed with bladed weapons.

Officers have made one arrest in connection with the incident, and also recovered some bladed weapons that were discarded during the altercation.

Inspector Andy Pearce, of Milton Keynes police station, said: “This Section 60 order has been put in place in response to this incident of violence, which was an altercation between a number of people who were armed with bladed weapons.

“The order is put in place to reduce the risk of serious violence and offending from taking place, and is made under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

“Incidents such as this, which include violence and involve bladed weapons, are completely unacceptable in our communities, and we will do all possible to make the streets safer for everyone.

“Section 60 orders enhance the stop and search powers of officers, allowing them to search people without needing to suspect that they may be carrying weapons. This means that there will be an increased number of officers in the area while the order is active.

“I’d also like for any witnesses, or anyone with information on the incident in Greenleys this evening to please come forward and make a report to police.

“Please either report online, or call 101, quoting reference number 2239 of 19/7.

“You can also make a report directly to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111, and for which you will remain 100% anonymous.”

There is more information on stop and search, and particularly Section 60 orders, on our website.