Enhanced stop and search powers are now in place in areas of East Leeds to help keep communities safe after a serious attack at a retail park, West Yorkshire Police has announced.
Senior officers from the force authorised the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to detect and deter the carrying of offensive weapons in the East Leeds area. This comes following an incident in which a man was 'stabbed' at the Springs retail park earlier on Friday afternoon.
The temporary powers have been put in place in an area including Harehills, East End Park, Whinmoor, Gipton, Temple Newsam Park and Colton. The order came into effect at 5pm on Friday (December 9) for an initial 24 hours, and its continuation will be subject to regular reviews.
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It gives police officers the power to search people or vehicles for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments without them having to have their usual grounds to suspect each person searched. Superintendent Russ Hughes of Leeds District Police, said: "This order has been put in place following a violent assault in Leeds today which is being investigated by Leeds District CID.
"These additional search powers give officers an increased ability to stop those involved in carrying weapons, as part of our efforts to disrupt deter and bring to justice those who involve themselves in this type of criminal behaviour.
“Residents will see extra police patrols and I hope communities are reassured by the actions we are taking.”
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