Powers to stop and search people in parts of Reading granted temporarily to police have been extended, Thames Valley Police announced.
The force was granted a Section 60 order on Monday, after a teenager was stabbed in the chest on the Kennetside towpath at around 3.25pm near Avon Place.
The order, which has been extended for 24 hours until 6.40pm on Wednesday, allows police to stop and search people without reasonable grounds following a number of violent incidents.
READ MORE: Pictures and video show police cordon in place after teen stabbed in the chest
Detective Sergeant Alex Willis, of Reading CID, said on Monday: “We are carrying out a thorough investigation following this stabbing and I am appealing for any witnesses to please come forward.
“We believe this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.
“We have put the Section 60 order in place while we carry out our investigation into this incident.
“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 any information relating to this incident should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220293616.
“Also I would ask anyone who has CCTV, a dash-cam or a video doorbell to please check their footage and get in touch if it shows anything that could assist our enquiries.
“Alternatively, you can provide information completely anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.
“Members of the public may see an increased police presence while we investigate and there is a scene watch currently in Avon Place.
“I would advise anyone with concerns to speak to one of our uniformed officers.”
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