Two Charged After Intense Stop and Search Spree in Southampton
Police swooped in the Thornhill and Weston areas last night, charging two men and stopping 11 others during a Section 60 stop and search. The move came amid fears of violent clashes between rival groups armed with weapons.
What Is Section 60?
Section 60 powers let officers search anyone in a specific area without suspicion when serious violence has occurred or is expected. It’s a tool to nip crime in the bud and catch weapon carriers.
Police Strike Back After Community Warnings
On January 21, police granted a Section 60 order following alarms raised by locals worried about two groups possibly targeting each other with weapons in eastern Southampton. This isn’t new – similar powers were used last September after reports of violent disorder in the same area.
Arrests Made and Search Results
- 13 people were stopped and searched between 8pm Tuesday and 8am Wednesday.
- Two men were arrested and charged:
- Samuel Richard Stewart, 25, no fixed address, charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
- Andrew Philip Watson, 31, of Hazel Road, charged with possession of a bladed article in public.
Community Tensions and Police Response
Authorities acknowledge ongoing tensions following the tragic death of child James Laurie. A boy has been charged with the murder, and police urge the community to let the investigation run its course uninterrupted.
“Section 60 is an emergency power quickly deployed to diffuse imminent violence. This operation was based on fresh intelligence received just yesterday,” said police.
Most community feedback has been positive, with police thanking locals as their “eyes and ears.” The force urges anyone spotting suspicious activity to come forward.
What’s Next?
Police are reviewing whether to extend or renew the Section 60 order and promise to keep the public updated. The collective goal? A safer Southampton free of violence.
