SOUTHAMPTON'S MP has praised the efforts of the police after armed teens ran riot in Sholing – and he hopes the youths involved will 'feel the full force of the law'.
MP Royston Smith said he was pleased with how 'swiftly' Hampshire Police responded to the incident, and complimented how successful they have been.
This comes after the 'shocking' feat on Thursday night, which saw around 30 teens, thought to be between 15 and 18-years-old, chased each other around with samurai swords, knives, machetes and tasers.
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Armed police have since recovered a haul of weapons after swooping a block of flats, and further investigations are ongoing.
MP Smith said: "This is a truly shocking incident and I am pleased the action of the police was both swift and successful.
"I hope that those involved will be prosecuted and feel the full force of the law.
"The Government is determined to give our police not just the powers they need but the resources they deserve to keep our communities safe.
"These incidents are mercifully rare but when they happen it reminds us all just how much our police officers do to protect us."
On Friday, officers were given additional powers for to stop and search anyone for 24 hours.
Three groups of youths were stopped and eight people were searched, but no further weapons were found.
Chief inspector Phil Lamb said: "We don’t take the decision to use these additional powers lightly but we will do whatever it takes to keep our communities safe from those looking to cause harm to others.
"As a result of the action we took on Friday, I am pleased to say there was no repeat of what happened the night before.
"Our officers received great support from the community last night during their patrols and I would like to thank everyone for this because it really does makes a difference.
"I know a lot of people were asking why we were letting people know about the action we were taking but it is important for us to let our communities know why we are in their neighbourhood and what powers we have."
Over the weekend extra patrols took place, officers made house-to-house enquiries, and carried out searches in local parks.
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