A SECTION 60 order has been placed on parts of Southcote, Norcot and Tilehurst after a ‘violent disorder’ on Thursday evening saw a teenager arrested.
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to the incident which took place in Alan Place and Coronation Square around 10pm on October 26.
They say weapons were seen and a man in his twenties had a ‘noxious substance’ sprayed at him.
No one was injured.
A 19-year-old woman from Reading was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of a Section 5 firearm. She remains in custody at this time.
The legislation for Section 5 firearms includes pepper sprays, as well as guns.
As a result, Thames Valley Police enacted its Section 60 powers, and extended them to expire on 1.20am on Sunday, October 29 – before the clocks go back. This gives officers stop and search powers.
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Matthew Rees, based at Reading Police station, said: “I am appealing for anyone with information about this incident to please come forward.
“Also, anyone who lives in the area and has a CCTV camera, or anyone with a dash-cam who was driving in the area at the time, please check your recordings and get in touch if it shows anything that may be of use for our investigation.
“Anyone with information or footage should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230482647.
“We have also put this Section 60 order in place in a specific area of Reading following serious violence and to prevent potential further violence.”
He continued: “The order gives 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.”
