Stop-and-search powers extended after stabbings

Ch Supt Ben Clark said he was "very conscious" of "concerns" in the area

Police have enacted stop-and-search powers in an area of Oxford following three stabbings.

Officers are investigating the attacks, all in the past fortnight, in Blackbird Leys.

Following the most recent incident in Blackbird Leys Park on Sunday, Thames Valley Police brought in stop-and-search powers for an initial 24-hour period.

This has been extended to last until 19:45 BST on Tuesday and covers the entire Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys area.

It follows three stabbings in the area, which began on 25 March at Fry's Hill Park, when a 15-year-old boy sustained serious injuries when he was stabbed in the face.

On Friday, a man in his 40s was stabbed at Comie's Caribbean Bar & Grill in Garsington Road and had to be treated in hospital. He has since been discharged.

Lastly, at a community event in Blackbird Leys Park on Sunday, a 17-year-old boy sustained knife injuries to his face, hands and buttocks and was taken to hospital, where he remains.

Police said a number of arrests had been made in connection with the first two attacks, but no-one had been detained in connection with the other.

Ch Supt Ben Clark said he was "very conscious" of "concerns" in the area.

"The overwhelming majority of people in Blackbird Leys are, as am I, disgusted at this outbreak of serious violence, and rightly expect us to bring the offenders to justice," he said.

He added he would have "no hesitation" in extending the order.

The leader of Oxford City Council, Susan Brown, said she was "deeply concerned".

She said the council supported the police response, adding: "We must all come together to tackle the causes of violence and keep our communities safe for everyone."