Echo: Essex Police map of stop and search area in Billericay Essex Police map of stop and search area in Billericay

POLICE have been handed additional stop and search powers after they were alerted to four serious incidents involving assaults and weapons.

Officers say the incidents are in the Billericay area and the stop and search zone is covered in the map above. 

To keep communities safe, an extension of the stop and search powers already in place has been authorised under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

This means that officers will not need to have reasonable grounds to carry out a stop and search of people in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim White said: “The additional stop-and-search powers have been authorised as a precaution following reports of what we believe are targeted incidents.

“The use of these powers is not a decision we take lightly and are in place to keep the community of Billericay and its residents safe.

“You will see officers patrolling the area to identify anyone intent on committing crime and we encourage anyone who has concerns to speak to us directly or contact us on 101.”

The order was authorised at 9.30pm on Monday and will be in place until 9.30am on Tuesday August 31 covering the area highlighted in the map.