POLICE have activated stop and search powers for a second night running amid fears of violence in Southampton.

Officers have tonight been given the power to stop and search people within a designated area in the east of the city, which included districts such as Thornhill, Sholing and Weston.

It is the second consecutive night police have activated the powers in Southampton.

Police first activated stop and search powers on Tuesday night after it was reported that two groups of people may be targeting one another with weapons.

A total of 13 people were stopped, of which two were arrested and charged.

Samuel Richard Stewart, aged 25, of no fixed address was charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

Andrew Philip Watson, aged 31, of Hazel Road, Southampton has been charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Both appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court today.

Police have now activated the stop and search powers again.

They will be in place until 7am tomorrow morning.

Chief Inspector Phil Lamb said: “We authorised a section 60 authority last night and we have made the decision to re-instate it this evening as well.

“Last night we stopped and searched 13 people, two of which have been charged with carrying an offensive weapon.

“We will be out again this evening and we are telling you so that you know we are taking action against those intent on carrying weapons or causing serious violence in your neighbourhood.

“Section 60 also helps prevent other incidents of serious violence occurring and so helps us prevent crime.

“Section 60 is an emergency tactic. We do not suggest that it is a long term solution to violent disorder or weapon related crime, however we have received concerns raised by the community recently and this is our response.”