Section 60 and Section 60AA in place in Ipswich after teenagers spotted carrying weapons

Stop and search powers have been put in place after a group of 10 teenagers were spotted carrying weapons in a Suffolk town.

Police said at about 10pm on Saturday, January 7, a member of the public reported seeing the group carrying weapons in Woodbridge Road East, heading towards Spring Road in Ipswich.

No injuries were reported, and the group reportedly dispersed from the area prior to police officers arriving on scene as firearms officers also attended the scene.

The youths were described as wearing black balaclavas and tracksuits.

One man, who did not have a mask on, was described as wearing a grey or white Nike tracksuit and was seen heading towards Newbury Road.

The Section 60 orders will be in place until 11.30pm on Sunday, January 8. The Section 60 order gives police the power to search people without reasonable grounds and can only happen when police believe there is a possibility of serious violence, or if weapons are involved.

Police have also issued a Section 60AA, which gives officers the power to require a person to remove any item they believe is being worn wholly or mainly for the purpose of concealing identify.

Officers are now urging witnesses, anyone with CCTV footage, or anyone in the area around the time of the incident to contact Suffolk Police quoting ref 337 of 7 January 2023 via the website.

Alternatively, call 101.