'Armed police and dog unit' called to patrol Southampton streets

The patrols were part of a crackdown to "combat the increased violence in the Southampton West area".

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Officers supported by an armed response unit and police dog unit used special powers to stop anyone or any vehicle suspected to be involved in violent crimes.

Police dog Ernie

Last night they reportedly seized a catapult, drugs and arrested a driver who gave a positive breath test.

It comes after a gang of up to six people on mopeds "stabbed a 31-year-old man" in Tangmere Drive on Thursday night.

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He was rushed to hospital with serious yet not life-threatening injuries following the "racially aggravated attack".

Police in Tangmere Driver, Southampton on Friday morning

A 16-year-old boy from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of robbery, GBH and possession of Class B drugs. He has since been released on bail. 

Section 60 can be used in areas where either serious violence has occurred or police believe serious violence is about to occur and gives officers the power to stop and search anyone in a certain area, without the restrictions of normal stop and search.  

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Officers in Southampton have been using these powers in the Mansel Park, Green Park, St James Park, Shirley High Street, Warren Avenue, Coxford Road, Olive Road, Regents Park, Lords Hill District Centre and surrounding areas.

Police have been using Section 60 in the west of Southampton

The Section 60 order has been extended and will be in place until 5.59pm today.

Police say that between 6pm on Friday evening and 6pm on Saturday, officers carried out 15 stops.

A 25-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing offences following a stop on Anglesea Road on Friday night.

He has been released from custody but remains under investigation.

A post made on the Southampton Cops Facebook page said: "Lots more searches completed tonight following the extension of section 60. We were supported by colleagues from the dog support unit and armed response unit.

"No knives found on any persons but a catapult seized, drugs seized along with an arrest for a positive breath test.

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"Thank you to all those who took the time to talk to us and take an interest in Operation Inspection and everything we are doing to combat the increased violence in the Southampton West area.

"We continue to patrol and stop any persons/vehicles suspected to be involved in these type of crimes which we know are having an impact on our communities. Keep feeding the information in."