Arrests made in ‘stop and search’ operation following Fishwick stabbing

Samuel Street where the attack took place Pic: Google

Officers investigating a stabbing in Fishwick searched 55 people and 15 vehicles under a section 60 order which was in force last night.

Between 6pm and 6am, two people were arrested under the stop and search powers brought in after a 14-year-old suffered serious injuries on Sunday.

One person was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and another was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs.

Police are also supporting a national week of action into knife crime and are asking people to surrender their knives at bins placed at police stations across the county.

Three people have been arrested after a 14-year-old boy suffered injuries to his arm, hand, leg and ankle on Sunday.

It s believed he was attacked by a group of men in Samuel Street, Fishwick at around 11.10pm on Sunday March 10.

Chief Insp Steve Sansbury, of South Police, said “Our investigation is very much continuing into the incident from Sunday so please don’t be concerned if you see a heavier police presence.

“We will also be taking a proactive approach to knife crime – targeting areas where we believe there are issues and using the powers at our disposal.”

Following the incident, Section 60 powers were put in place in the Fishwick and St Matthews areas of the city last night.

A Section 60 gives police the power to search people or vehicles without suspicion in an area where we believe violence could take place.

Chief Insp Sansbury said: “Last night’s Section 60 is just one example of the preventative action we are taking. I would like to thank the local community for their support of our work and would like to reiterate that this is not about targeting innocent people. The work we do is aimed at making sure we do all we can to keep people safe.

“If you are concerned about knife crime in your area, please speak up. We act on intelligence from our communities. If you’ve seen something suspicious please report it to us or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Three men aged 21, 22 and 24 were arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent in connection with the stabbing. The 21 year old has been bailed until 8 April pending further enquiries and the 22 and 24 year old have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Between March 11 -15 police are supporting Operation Sceptre, aimed at reducing knife crime nationally.

In Preston, knives can be wrapped in newspaper and tape and dropped off at the police station in Lancaster Road North anonymously.