West Midlands Police used special stop and search powers in Birmingham city centre last night following the stabbing of a 13-year-old boy on the ramp at Stephenson Place.
The teenager was left with life-changing injuries following the incident near Grand Central at 4.41pm on Wednesday 18 January.
As a result, Section 60 powers were in place from 2pm to 11pm on Thursday 19 January to help officers stop and search anyone they suspected of being involved in violence.
The powers covered most of the city centre including the entire length of Broad Street, Bridge Street, Gas Street, Berkley Street, Bishopgate Street and connected roads leading off them.
Chief Inspector Nick Hill, of West Midlands Police, said: “This was to keep people safe after a number of violent incidents in recent days, including the stabbing of a 13-year-old boy in Stephenson Place.
“Section 60 powers give us the ability to stop and search people we suspect may be involved in violence, without the need for reasonable grounds.”
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “While the horrendous stabbing took place well away from Westside, it was absolutely right that the police included our area in the Section 6- operation to try to find the culprits.
“We take the safety of people visiting our area very safely, with our street wardens working very closely with West Midlands Police.
“We welcomed their extra presence in the city yesterday and will support them in any way we can to stop knife crime in the city.”
If anyone has information on knife crime, they should contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat via www.west-midlands.police.uk.
