Three due in court after weapons seized in Birmingham - police powers extension
Police applied for Section 60 powers in place over Birmingham neighbourhood after fatal stabbing
Birmingham police have extended the timeframe for using extra powers overnight to prevent unrest after a man was stabbed in what officers believe was a targeted attack.
The Section 60 powers will be in place in parts of the south of the city centre until 2am tomorrow( Monday31) after being used over the weekend. The move followed a fatal stabbing, in Ashville Avenue, Hodge Hill, at around 11.50pm on August 25. The man was pronounced dead in hospital three days later.
Extending the action will allow West Midlands Police to stop and search people without the need for reasonable grounds tonight into the early hours of the bank holiday.
With the powers in place and officers patrolling last night, two machetes were recovered from a vehicle which had been spotted by officers in Adderley Road in Saltley, and a man, aged 22, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and possession of a knife.
Birmingham Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Chanelle Whitney said: “We are pleased that these powers have led to dangerous weapons being taken off the streets, and we continue to work with the community to listen to their concerns and act on intelligence.
“Weapons and violence have absolutely no place in Birmingham or anywhere in the West Midlands, and we are relentlessly targeting those involved in it.
“We are clear that anyone found carrying a weapon or intent on violence will be dealt with and brought to justice.
"Patrols are continuing around the area as we work to keep the public safe and prevent disorder."
Meanwhile three Birmingham men accused of possessing a loaded gun and machetes seized by officers in Alum Rock on Friday (August28) ae due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday after the force introduced Section 60 powers to prevent street disorder linked to an earlier incident.
David Skervin, aged 24, Mohammed Akeen, aged 30, and Bilal Arshad, aged 30, are all charged with weapons offences.
A fourth man, who was also arrested, has been bailed while inquiries continue.
The force said officers have continued to patrol the area and witnesses and anyone with information should phone detectives on 101 or use the force’s live chat service. Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.