Police have been granted additional powers following reports of an individual allegedly seen carrying a knife near Bexleyheath shopping centre on Broadway.
The incident was reported at around 6pm on September 12. Officers responded to the scene but were unable to locate the person in question.
In response to the incident, a section 35 dispersal order has been authorised, covering the area around the Broadway. The order will remain in effect until 6pm on September 14.
Section 35 gives police officers and community support officers the authority to exclude a person from a designated area for up to 48 hours with the approval of a police inspector.
Bexley MPS posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating: “A section 35 dispersal order has been authorised by Inspector Keen for the below outlined area. This is due to recent incidents of disorder & is in force until 14/09/24 at 1800hrs.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson clarified, “Following a report of someone seen in possession of a knife in the area, officers attended but no person could be located. No injuries or reports of a stabbing have been made.
The police are continuing their patrols to ensure public safety and are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
