A Swindon teenager has been stabbed by a gang riding e-bikes and wearing balaclavas.
Emergency services responded to a knife attack in a footpath off Oakhurst Way at around 4.10pm on Monday afternoon (24 November).
An 18-year-old male sustained potentially life-changing injuries in the incident, which was attended by Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance.
Wiltshire Police say the suspects involved are described as wearing all black and in balaclavas, and were riding electric bikes.
The force last night authorised Section 60 and 60AA orders – granting officers enhanced powers to search people who are suspected of involvement in criminality and disorder.
They were authorised at 7.25pm and will be in place for up to 24 hours, and will be kept under constant review.
A Section 60 order comes under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act and allows police officers to stop and search anyone within the designated area without needing reasonable grounds.
The Section 60AA order further extends these powers, enabling officers to require individuals to remove face coverings that may obscure their identity.
Superintendent 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.
“These orders were authorised at 7.25pm following a serious stabbing in Swindon this afternoon, granting officers temporary additional powers to stop and search individuals in the area, helping us to prevent further violence and identify those responsible.
“This does not mean people will be stopped indiscriminately and officers will still follow usual stop and search processes.
“Residents in the local area will likely see a heightened police presence in the area while officers from our CID conduct an investigation into the stabbing.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the disorder or has any dash cam or doorbell footage which may have captured the offenders.”
If you can help, please contact Wiltshire Police on 101 quoting log 241 of 24 November. Information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
