POLICE in Bradford have put extra stop and search powers in place in the Holme Wood area this afternoon to prevent serious violence and keep communities safe.
In a highly-rare move for the district, senior officers at Bradford District have authorised the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which gives officers the right to search people or vehicles for offensive weapons in a defined area for a set period.
The order covers an area bounded by Tong Street, Westgate Hill Street, New Lane, Raikes Lane, Holme Lane, Ned Lane, Tyersal Lane, Parsonage Road, Dick Lane, Cutler Heights Lane, Sticker Lane and Tong Street.
The authorisation was made at 1.20pm today and will be reviewed tomorrow morning.
It comes in response to disorder earlier today at Sandmede Close on the Holme Wood Estate.
Superintendent Gareth Crossley, of Bradford District, said: “These incidents appear to be targeted and involve rival criminal groups. We will not tolerate violence in our communities.
“In the meantime, we are putting measures in place to deter any further incidents including these additional search powers under Section 60.
“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be increasing their patrols and presence in the area and will be taking robust action against anyone they suspect of being involved in these incidents.
“I want to reassure the community that we will be continuing to do everything we can to keep their area safe.”
Cllr Matt Edwards (Green, Tong) said most people in Holme Wood are "sick and tired" of a "small number of idiots terrorising everyone else".
He said: “The police have my full support in these steps and I know this isn’t a decision they will have taken lightly.
“The incident today close to The Parade was absolutely appalling and this is the right thing for the police to do in response.
“The majority of people living in Holme Wood are sick and tired of a small number of idiots who terrorise everyone else.
“I’ve spoken to a few people today are pleased to see the heightened police presence - it shows that the police are taking the criminal behaviour on Holme Wood seriously.”
Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting log 1796 of July 14 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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