Police extend stop and search rules across Walsall after five men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
West Midlands Police will be exercising enhanced Section 60 powers across Walsall this evening following a spate of violence across the borough - including an attempted murder.
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Section 60 powers allow police officers to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds.
The powers will be in place until 10pm on Wednesday (January 8) and will cover the area of Walsall highlighted on the map below - between Little Bloxwich, Willenhall, and The Delves.
It comes after an attack police are treating as an attempted murder, on Pool Street near Chuckery shortly after 4pm on Monday (January 6).
The victim, a man, presented at hospital with stab injuries and remains in hospital in a potentially life-changing condition.
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Two of them, both aged 21, remain in custody and three others, two aged 25 and one aged 20, are on bail with strict conditions as enquiries continue.
In a separate incident, a group of men with baseball bats attacked two other men on West Bromwich Street in Caldmore at around 4.45pm on Tuesday (January 7). The victims were left with injuries not believed to be serious.
Police are continuing their investigations, but believe the attack was due to a 'road rage incident' and have asked for anyone with information, or witnesses to the attack, to get in touch with them immediately.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We believe the attack was carried out following a road rage incident. We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information, including dashcam footage, to please contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting crime reference number 20/106408/25. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."
A video being circulated online shows the brawl taking place on the busy Walsall street, with the two men being seen to be attacked with blunt objects.
Chief Inspector Dez Lambert, from the command team at Walsall LPA, said: “Section 60 powers allow us to stop and search people we suspect may be involved in violence, or carrying weapons, without the need to have reasonable grounds. Our aim is to keep everyone safe. We will have increased patrols in these areas and uniformed officers.”
