Man, 18, stabbed by group 'wearing balaclavas'

Police patrols have been increased in the area since the attack

An 18-year-old man is in hospital with potentially life-changing injuries after being stabbed by a group who witnesses said were wearing balaclavas.

Police patrols have been stepped up in the Redhouse area of Swindon and extra stop-and-search powers are in place after the attack on Oakhurst Way at 16:10 GMT on Monday.

Wiltshire Police said officers were called out to reports of a disturbance involving suspects riding electric bikes and wearing face coverings.

Residents have been told to expect "a heightened police presence in the area", the force added.

Supt James Brain said: "We understand how concerning incidents like this are for the local community and we want to reassure residents that we are fully committed to tackling violent crime and keeping our streets safe."

The man was attacked on Oakhurst Way on Monday afternoon

He said the additional powers, authorised under Section 60 and 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act would help police "prevent further violence and identify those responsible".

A Section 60 order allows police officers to stop and search anyone within the designated area without needing reasonable grounds.

The Section 60 AA allows officers to force individuals to remove face coverings that may hide their identity.

The order was issued at 19.25 GMT on Monday and expires at 19.25 on Tuesday.

Supt Brain continued: "This does not mean people will be stopped indiscriminately and officers will still follow usual stop-and-search processes.

He added: "We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the disorder or has any dashcam or doorbell footage which may have captured the offenders."