Police given extra powers after ‘stabbing’

POLICE have been given an extra two days of powers to ban people from gathering in almost an entire district of Cardiff after a stabbing and amid concerns about violence.

A dispersal order under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 was first granted after what police called a “stabbing incident” in Waverley Square, Butetown, on Monday.

The area covered by the dispersal order has now been extended to cover nearly all of Butetown and will last until tomorrow at 1.30pm.

The person who was injured remains in hospital. Seven men aged 18 to 28 have been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.

South Wales Police say the order is a preventative measure following the incident and continued concerns about violence, drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour.

Under Section 35 of the Act, police officers can instruct anybody who is causing, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to leave the area.

Officers will also have the power to seize any property which they suspect is being used to cause anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Abi Biddle from South Wales Police said: “The dispersal order is in place over the next 48 hours as a preventative measure.

“We will have an increased presence in Butetown and officers won’t hesitate to enforce the extra powers afforded to them in order to keep the community safe. We urge parents and guardians to speak to their young people about not getting involved in drugs and drug dealing. Please also check who they are associating with, what they are doing and where they are.”

Anyone with suspicions or information about illegal drug supply is urged to contact 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.