Police powers expanded after knife attack in Easton

Following a knife attack that left two people injured overnight, increased stop and search powers are in place in parts of Bristol.

Avon and Somerset Police introduced the measures following an attack near Stapleton Road in Easton at around 04:40 BST on Sunday morning.

Officers have now arrested eleven men in connection with the incident, all on suspicion of attempted murder. They remain in police custody.

Two men were taken to hospital for treatment of their injuries. Their injuries are no longer considered life-threatening, but one of them is still in serious condition.

A police car in the middle of a police cordon in Easton, Bristol — Increased control and search powers apply in the Easton area (BBC)

The extended powers came into effect from 7pm (BST) on Sunday and apply to the Easton region.

They will initially be in effect for 24 hours and will allow officers to stop people and vehicles and search them for weapons to prevent “serious violence”.

Police said officers deployed in this way would be briefed on their powers to ensure they were “deployed correctly”.

It further said the restrictions could be extended for another 24 hours if necessary.

Supervisor Lisa Simpson, who approved the enhanced measures, said: “We do not underestimate the concerns of the local community following this latest incident of knife crime and serious violence in Bristol.”

“That is why we have taken the decision to grant our officers Section 60 powers.

“In addition, they will also have the power under section 60AA, which allows officers to ask people to remove their face covering if they have reason to believe that it is being worn to conceal their identity.”

Police said this did not mean that people would be stopped indiscriminately and that officers would continue to use standard stop-and-search procedures.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X And InstagramSend us your story ideas by email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.