Gang rampage

EIGHT people armed with samurai swords and machetes are reported to have been roaming through Newtown in east Reading last week, forcing police to take action.

The gang were reported to have been damaging vehicles.

No injures have been reported.

As a result of the incident, which took place around 3am in Regent Street on Friday, February 24, Thames Valley Police have enacted a Section 60 order, which gives them more stop and search powers.

The order was put in place for 24 hours and expired at 3.20am on Saturday.

Thames Valley Police only use Section 60 powers for defined areas, and when a senior officer believes there is a possibility of serious violence, or weapons being carried.

In a statement, Inspector Tom Day, based at Reading police station, said: “We put this order in place while we carried out our investigation into this large public order 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.”

He added: “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 are there to reassure you as well as using their powers under Section 60.

“Anyone with information about this incident should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230084723.

“Alternatively, provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”