POLICE officers can continue to stop and search people in certain areas now that a Section 60 Order has been extended for another 24 hours.

The rule was put in place yesterday (September 13) following the recent stabbings in Reading, and allows searches within the zone of the order to take place.

It has today been adapted to cover a smaller area but has been authorised for a further 24 hours.

READ MORE: MAPPED: Timeline of recent stabbings in Reading

The order is in place following an incident in Tilehurst on Saturday evening when two 16-year-old boys were stabbed in Lucey Close.

The amended order will begin from 7pm today and will cover the area of Tilehurst bounded by the following roads: Long Lane, Little Heath Road, A4 Bath Road, New Lane Hill, The Meadway, Church End Lane, Norcot Lane, Kentwood Hill and Oxford Road.

Reading Chronicle:

Local policing area commander for West Berkshire, Superintendent Lindsey Finch, said: "Section 60 orders allow police officers greater powers to stop and search people for items connected with violence, in a defined location.

"The first and subsequent orders have been put in place following the incident in Tilehurst, and will continue to be reviewed on a daily basis.

READ MORE: Section 60: police can now search anyone with Reading and West Berkshire zone

"We have implemented the Section 60 procedures in order to provide visible reassurance for the community, and to demonstrate just how seriously the force takes such incidents of violence.

"The West Berkshire community should be reassured by the presence of officers within these areas rather than alarmed.

"We are there for the safety of the community, so please feel free to speak to officers out and about if you have any concerns."