Billericay stop and search powers introduced after boy stabbed

The Section 60 stop and search order was brought in to the Basildon area

Additional stop and search powers were granted to police after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed.

Essex Police said the action had been taken after the boy was found with "serious injuries" to his legs in Morris Avenue. Billericay, at about 19:00 BST on Monday.

A Section 60 order was authorised to "keep our communities safe", police said.

Det Ch Insp Jim White said the action was "a precaution".

The force said the boy's injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing and he was recovering in hospital.

'Concerning'

The order meant officers did not need to have reasonable grounds to carry out stop and searches.

"The use of these powers is not a decision we take lightly and are in place to keep the community of Billericay and its residents safe," Mr White said.

"At this time, we believe that this was a targeted incident between known parties.

"We know this incident will be concerning for those of you who work and live in the area, but please know that we are taking this very seriously and we are confident that there is no threat to the wider public."

The order was authorised on Bank Holiday Monday and ran until 09:30 BST on Tuesday.