A stop and search order covering Blackbird Leys has been authorised for another 24 hours, Thames Valley Police have said.
The section 60 order, which enables police to stop and search anyone without first having a reasonable suspicion they are carrying a weapon, drugs or stolen property, will last until 1pm on Sunday.
It follows a stabbing in Mercury Road, Blackbird Leys, on Thursday night. A man, 40s, remains in hospital although police have said his condition is not life threatening.
EXPLAINED: What is a section 60 stop and search order?
Supt Emma Garside said: “This order has been put in place following the incident in the Mercury Road area of Oxford.
“It is in place to ensure public safety, while also giving police extra power to search people who they think could be involved in violence, and to take weapons off the street.
“I understand that an order of this nature could cause concern, but whilst a Section 60 order may sound alarming, enhancing our stop and search powers provides us with another tactic to quickly identify and disrupt those carrying weapons.
READ MORE: People describe the moment when police swarmed Blackbird Leys
“If you are stopped by an officer, please do not be worried as this does not mean that you are in trouble. You will see more police officers in the area whilst the order is in place and we expect to carry out more stop and searches than usual.
“Officers who are out and about are there to reassure you as well as using their powers under Section 60 so please do stop and speak with them about any concerns that you have.”
Broadly, the section 60 order covers all of Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys – from Grenoble Road and Oxford Science Park in the south, the B480 Watlington Road to the east, and Sandy Lane West in the west.
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