Police extend rare stop-and-search order in Milton Keynes following six-man knife crime incident

Police said the order temporarily allows police officers more powers to stop and search in a defined location.

The order was put in place following a public order incident which happened last night (Thursday, December 17).

Officers said the order applies within the area enclosed by H4 Danstead Way, the A5, H7 Shaffron Way and V8 Marlborough Street and covers the central Milton Keynes, Conniburrow and Fishermead areas.

Police said that at around 7pm yesterday, officers attended the scene of a public order offence, involving a group of about six males in an altercation with weapons in Midsummer Arcade, Milton Keynes.

Officers said the order was extended at 12.30pm today (Friday, December 18) and will remain in place for a further 24 hours.

Police said a man, aged 19, sustained facial injuries and was taken to hospital, he has since been discharged.

Thames Valley Police said that an arrest has since been made and a man is currently in custody.

Officers from Milton Keynes, supported by others from across the force, will be on patrol during this period.

LPA Commander Superintendent Marc Tarbit said: “We are taking this incident extremely seriously and have launched a full investigation. We have identified a number of suspects and one arrest has already been made.

“Knife crime will not be tolerated in this area. We have brought extra officers into Milton Keynes to support us in enforcing the Section 60, and increased our patrols to reassure the public. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak to these officers.

“We are committed to locating and arresting outstanding suspects today. Please do not be alarmed by the extension of this order or the increased police activity.

“When a Section 60 is in place police officers can search you without needing to suspect that you might be carrying weapons. If you are stopped, don't be worried or alarmed as you aren't in any trouble. We are just taking all steps that we can to keep weapons off our streets.

“I appeal to anyone with information about this matter to contact us by calling the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101, quoting reference number 43200429205.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make a report online.”