Police granted stop-and-search powers in South Yorkshire town

Officers in Mexborough were allowed to use the powers on Good Friday and into the early hours of the next morning in a bid to deter violent crimes.

Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley explained that the temporary powers were authorised under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

“This authority gives our officers the power to stop and search people who they think are carrying offensive weapons,” he said.

“Officers do not have to have reasonable suspicion about the individual being stopped and searched. Instead, the authority is intended to deter people from carrying offensive weapons and keep everyone safe by preventing violence.”

The measure can be put in place if directed by a senior officer – assistant chief constable or above.