Police given enhanced powers ahead of protest

Police officers will be able to use enhanced stop and search powers ahead of a planned protest in Bristol.

The powers will be in place in areas across the city as Avon and Somerset Police look to minimise the risk of the type of violence seen in other parts of the country this week.

Parts of the city will be placed under Section 60 stop and search powers, and officers will also be able to move on anyone causing – or who are likely to cause – harassment, alarm or distress to others.

Neighbourhood Ch Insp Vicks Hayward-Melen said there will be a “significant policing presence in the city” and “criminal disorder will not be tolerated”.

The force said its been in regular contact with groups, including faith leaders, after three girls were fatally stabbed in an attack on Monday in Southport, Liverpool.

Since then, scenes of disorder have taken place in other towns and cities.

The enhanced stop and search powers will be active from midday on Saturday until 06:00 BST on Sunday.

The dispersal zone – called a Section 35 and covers the same area as the Section 60 – will be in place during the same period.

Ch Insp Hayward-Melen said: “We will not tolerate any form of disorder or criminal behaviour and there will be a significant policing presence in the city tomorrow, both as a precaution and for reassurance.

“While we’ll always look to facilitate peaceful protest, we will take action when behaviour impacts on the rights of our communities.

“The powers we have pre-authorised will be in place to ensure this can be done swiftly and effectively.”