THREE teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of offensive weapons and violent disorder offences following the issue of stop and search powers in Eastleigh.

Police stopped and searched three people in the area, with three arrests being made and a number of items - including a knife and a screwdriver, which could be used as weapons - were recovered from the street.

A 15-year-old boy from Botley was arrested on suspicion of one count of violent disorder, one count of possession of an offensive weapon, and one count of possession of a Class B drug.

He was later released on conditional bail until Wednesday, May 31, pending further police enquiries.

A 17-year-old boy from Eastleigh was arrested on suspicion of one count of violent disorder. He remains in custody at this time.

An 18-year-old man from Eastleigh was arrested on suspicion of one count of violent disorder and one count of possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody at this time.

This followed a section 60 which was in place between 7.50pm on Tuesday, March 2, and 7.50pm on Wednesday, March 3.

The emergency power allows police to stop and search anyone, without the restrictions of normal stop and search.

The powers were implemented in Eastleigh after police had reason to believe an incident of serious violence may occur, after it was reported two groups of young people may be targeting one another with weapons in the area earlier in the day.

Eastleigh District Commander, Chief Inspector Marcus Cator, said: “I would like to stress that we are not able to undertake this type of activity without information from communities. We act on the information you provide to us and we have responded accordingly. “We have been asked why we promote our Section 60 emergency powers – it is because we want to take every opportunity to prevent serious violence. It is also important that our communities know that we are in their neighbourhoods, taking action in relation to violent crime. This may result in an increased police presence.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing support in us taking this action. You are our eyes and ears out there so if you see or hear anything suspicious, or if you have any concerns or issues, please do get in touch. We must continue to work together to tackle serious violence in our communities. Information we receive from the community allows us take these steps and prevent further crime.

“If you have any concerns or information we should know, please do call 101 quoting 44210079007 or via the Hampshire Constabulary website. You can also report this to us via independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“However, if you are concerned about someone carrying weapons in your neighbourhood, or you see something suspicious you think is potentially related to serious violence, please call 999.”