Extra police deployed in town over violence fears

The area targeted by police includes commercial and residential neighbourhoods

Police have announced measures to prevent potential "serious violence" in a county town.

Thames Valley Police said extra officers and temporary powers had been authorised in part of Reading, Berkshire, from 19:00 BST.

The Section 60 and 34 powers enable random stop and searches and the dispersal of groups causing disorder or a nuisance, police said.

The force said it followed concerns of possible disorder and individuals carrying weapons associated with a "planned event" in the area, with those involved "known to each other".

The powers have been authorised in an area south of Queens Road

Supt Adrian Hall said: "These are emergency powers and the threshold to implement them is very high.

"You will see more police officers in the area while the order is in place and we expect to carry out more stop and searches than usual."

The orders, which last for 12 hours and will be reviewed on Sunday, will be put in place within Queens Road, Mill Lane, Elgar Road, Christchurch Road and Redlands Road.