POLICE have been given more stop and search powers in Reading after a man was stabbed this week.

The force initially launched a 24-hour section 60 order over fears of further 'serious violence' taking place. This has since been extended.

It means officers are able to stop and search anyone without suspicion in a particular area.

It comes after the victim - a man in his twenties - was stabbed in Battle Square near Oxford Road on January 14.

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Thames Valley Police initially said the order will run up to 5pm today (January 16) but has since extended the order to run until 5pm toomorrow (January 17).

The order applies to the areas including the centre of Reading, Oxford Road, Tilehurst Road, Bath Road, the A3290 boundary to the A3290 London Road roundabout and through across the River Thames into Lower Caversham, and the Thames & Kennet Marina.

Other roads include Northumberland Avenue, Elgar Road, Church Road through to the A3290 boundary and the Caversham Bridge.

Inspector Beverley Pearse, of Reading police station, said: “A Section 60 order has been authorised following an incident which took place in Reading on Thursday, during which a man in his twenties sustained a serious but non-life threatening stab wound. Three arrests have been made in connection with that incident.

“Under this order, our officers have been given authority to use their powers under Section 60 to help the police prevent serious violence.

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“Using these increased powers, officers are able to stop and search anybody within a defined area while it is in place, with or without reasonable grounds to do so.

“Please do not be worried if you are stopped by an officer. This does not mean you are in trouble.

“I also understand this may cause concern in the local community, but the order is in place to prevent any further incidents of this nature, and I would encourage you to speak to one of our officers with any concerns you may have."

The force confirmed three arrests have been made in connection with the stabbing and the victim has since been discharged from hospital.

Anyone with information about the attack in Battle Square is asked to contact police on 101 ref 43210017714