ATTEMPTS to stop a rumoured school knife attack at a funfair in Newbury has seen three arrests being made by Police.

Worried parents and schools notified Thames Valley Police that rival schools were planning a fight at the 2019 Michaelmas Fair. 

The Section 60 order, which was put in place on Wednesday October 16 until Sunday October 20,  saw three arrests made for possessing a knife and one person was referred to the Youth Offending Team for support and intervention.

165 stop searches were carried out and four knives were recovered.

The public order act covered Newbury Town Centre, Northcroft Park, Victoria Park and Goldwell Park, giving police powers to stop and search people to ensure weapons are kept off the streets.

Superintendent Nick John, Local Policing Area Commander for West Berkshire, said: "Enacting Section 60 is just one method that we use to ensure weapons are kept off our streets.

"While the Section 60 was in place, 165 stop searches were conducted, four knives were recovered, three arrests were made for possession of a knife and one person was referred to the Youth Offending Team for support and intervention.

"Knife sweeps were also carried out by officers at Goldwell Park and Northcroft Park, with the aim of locating any weapons which may have been stored. No items were recovered during these sweeps.

"Additionally, a knife arch was deployed to assist officers at a business premises on Northbrook Street, Newbury."

Police has said that they will still be closely monitoring areas across Newbury and a new Section 60 can be applied if deemed appropriate to do so. 

Supt Nick John added: "Although Section 60 has ceased, police officers will still be able to apply their ordinary stop and search powers, requiring police officers to have reasonable grounds to carry out a search where they think someone may be in possession of a weapon, controlled drugs or a tool that could be used to commit crime.

"The situation in West Berkshire will be closely monitored and if the grounds exist, a new Section 60 will be instigated."

"As a result of police intervention, our high visibility patrols, the proactive use of stop and search allowed the community to safely enjoy a yearly tradition.

"We are encouraged that residents contacted us, and we will continue to listen to local concerns, and act accordingly to keep Newbury a safe place to enjoy local events.