A woman suffered a number of minor stab wounds during a fight.

A group of people had been involved in the incident in Panfield Lane near to Panfield Post Office in Braintree at around 9.30pm last night.

During the incident a woman in her 20s received a number of minor stab wounds to her leg.

Police have authorised a stop and search order from 12pm today until 12pm tomorrow.

The Section 60 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 Authority allows Constables in uniform to use this power to stop and search anyone, specifically to prevent and detect the carrying of dangerous instruments or offensive weapons. Reasonable grounds for suspicion are not required to exercise a Section 60 search.

Acting Inspector Marcus Baker said: “A Section 60 Authority is an effective tool to help protect the public and take weapons off our streets.

“Not only does it give my officers the power to search for items which can be used as weapons but it helps deter people from carrying them in the first place and preventing further violence or disorder.”

Anyone with any information about the incident last night should call police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/197432/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.