A SECTION 60 order put in place in Tilehurst, Reading, has been extended on Tuesday, October, for a further 24 hours following a firearms incident last week.
A Section 60, granting police temporary additional powers for stop and search measures in a given area, was instated in Tilehurst on Monday, October 2, and will now last until 12.30pm tomorrow (October 4.)
It follows a firearms incident in Kinson Road at around 9pm on Sunday, October 1, when, at around 9pm, a loud bang was reported.
A man in his twenties sustained serious injuries, though they are not thought to be life-threatening.
A 28-year-old man from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, he has been released on bail.
Inspector James Tribe said: “We have extended this Section 60 order put in place in a specific area of Reading following a firearm incident.
“The order will give our officers extra powers to carry out stop and search activity, and has been enacted for the safety of the public.
“I understand that an order of this nature could cause concern, but while it may sound alarming, enhancing our stop and search powers provides us with another tactic to quickly identify and disrupt those carrying weapons.
“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 while 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.”
