Police appeal as search order remains in place
TEMPORARY powers allowing police officers to stop and search anyone they wish were still in place last night in three areas of Cardiff after two stabbings on the city’s streets in the space of less than 24 hours.
Police gave themselves more time to “stop and search” people in Butetown, Grangetown and Riverside following two unrelated stabbings on Friday and Saturday.
A Section 60 notice, which gives officers the authority to stop and search anyone they wish, was due to take place in Butetown, Grangetown and Riverside until 11pm last night.
Initially, it was only in place from 2pm on Saturday until 2pm yesterday.
The notice was issued after two stabbing incidents in the capital within a 24-hour period. However, a spokeswoman for the police confirmed they were not linked.
It 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.
The first incident took place at around 7.40am on Friday in Smeaton Street, Riverside, where a 38-yearold man was taken to hospital where he is described as being in a stable condition. The incident led to Ninian Park Road, Smeaton Street and Telford Street all being closed for much of Friday.
The second stabbing, involving a 33-year-old man, took place in Loudoun Square in Butetown at 2.23am on Saturday. He is now also in a stable condition.
The South Wales Police spokeswoman said: “Although these incidents are not being linked, South Wales Police has put in place the Section 60 with the aim of preventing serious violence, to find dangerous instruments or to apprehend persons carrying weapons.
“We continue to appeal for information in relation to these incidents and anyone with information can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting occurrence 2000038398.”