OFFICERS in Colchester have been granted additional stop-and-search powers following two stabbings today (Friday 22 May).

Police officers on the Greenstead estate in Colchester have been granted the powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

It’s essentially an extension of the stop and search powers officers already use but differs because it means officers do not need to have reasonable grounds to stop someone.

As a result, Essex Police have an obligation to the make the public aware when one is in place, the area it covers, and how long it will be in place for.

The first incident, on Hunwicke Avenue, occurred at 7.40am today, with a man being taken to hospital in an air ambulance with serious injuries. He remains in a stable condition.

Two men were arrested and now remain in custody.

This afternoon, shortly before 3.30pm, officers were also approached on the estate by a man who claimed he had been stabbed.

He has since been taken to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

A 39-year-old local woman has since been arrested and has been taken into custody.

Speaking of today’s events, District Commander for Colchester, Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston stressed that residents of the estate were safe to go about their daily business.

He said: “I know that the people of Greenstead are a close community and will be concerned by today’s events.

"I want to reassure you all that these measures are a precaution, and are with the community’s best interests in mind.

“Although these incidents happened very close together, we are not treating them as linked, and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with either incident.

"These were both targeted attacks which, sadly, happened on the same day.

“Greenstead remains a safe place to live, and I’d encourage local residents: please don’t let this Section 60 stop you from conducting your daily business today.

"My officers remain in the area and will be conducting visible patrols, so please come forward and speak to them if you have any more information about either incident.”

The new powers will cover Bromley Road to the north, Longridge to the east, Avon Way to the south and St Andrew's Avenue to the west.

It will be in place from 4.50pm today, 22 May, to 4.50pm tomorrow, Saturday 23 May.