POLICE are extending a Section 60 Authority which is currently in place in a part of Chelmsford.

Under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Section 60 gives additional stop and search powers to officers. 

The way it differs from the force's regular stop and search powers i it means officers do not need to have reasonable grounds to stop and search someone to see if they have dangerous weapons or objects.

The order had been put in place in Chelmsford at 2am on Friday February 7 and was due to run for 24 hours.

It had been authorised following an incident in the Melbourne Avenue area on Thursday evening where it was reported someone was seen with what has been described as a firearm.

The stop and search powers were also put in place as a result of the continued unrest in the local community following the death of Liam Taylor, 19, in Writtle.

Two boys, both 17, and a woman, 39, have been arrested in connection with the incident in Melbourne Avenue and are currently in custody.

But an extension has now been granted and the Section 60 Authority will now run until 2am on February 9.

Acting chief superintendent Leighton Hammett said: “Section 60 Authorities are really useful tools to help keep our communities safe.

“We will use all the tools and resources we have available to prevent harm and this allows us to take weapons off our streets.

“If you’re in the area over the next day or so expect to see an increased police presence. It’s just another way we’re keeping you safe.

“If you have any information about someone who may be carrying a weapon, please call us or speak to any officers who are patrolling the area.”