Police have been given powers to stop and search anyone in Pontypridd after reports of "disorder and violence" in the town. A section 60 notice came into force at 2.42am on bank holiday Monday morning, and ends at 2.41am on Tuesday April 19. It gives officers the authority to stop and search anyone in the town.
South Wales Police said the decision to issue the notice had been taken following reports of disorder and violence on Broadway, Pontypridd. They said there are concerns that a further disturbance could take place and extra powers afforded to officers under Section 60 will help prevent further incidents.
They said the disorder included a fight "involving a large number of people." The Notice authorises any Constable in uniform, within that locality to exercise the powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994:
• To stop and search any pedestrian, or anything carried by them for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments without good reason, or
• To stop and search any vehicle, its driver and any passenger, for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments.
Superintendent Marc Attwell said: “The additional stop and search powers have been authorised as a precaution following reports of a fight involving a large number of people. The use of these powers is not a decision we take lightly and they are in place to keep the community of Pontypridd and its residents safe.
“You will see officers patrolling the area to identify anyone intent on committing crime and we encourage anyone who has concerns to contact us.”
Police are asking anybody who has information about the incident to contact them quoting reference 2200127082.
