A SECTION 60 order has been put in place to help police with their murder investigation after a 26-year-old man died last night.

Thames Valley Police put the order in place at 9pm last night (Saturday, February 6) and it's in place until 9pm tonight.

Section 60 order temporarily allows police officers to stop and search anyone in a defined area when it is believed there is likelihood that serious violence will take place.

Police have put the order in place across the whole of West Reading, covering areas such as Norcott, Katesgrove, Tilehurst, Prospect Park and parts of Reading town centre.

It comes after Thames Valley Police were called to Dulnan Close yesterday after a 26-year-old man died.

Superintendent Nick John, Reading Local Policing Area Commander, said: “A Section 60 order has been authorised following this tragic incident.

“Under this order, our officers have been given authority to use their powers to help the police prevent further serious violence, and we do not take decisions to enact them lightly.

“This will understandably cause concern in the local community, but I would like for members of the public to be reassured that this order is in place to prevent any re-occurrence of such incidents.

“During the period in which the order is in place, there will be an increase of police officers.

“Using these increased powers, officers are able to stop and search anybody within a defined area while it is activated, with or without reasonable grounds to do so.

“Please don’t be worried if you are stopped by an officer, as this does not mean that you are in trouble.

“Do not hesitate to speak to one of our officers with any concerns that you may have. They will be happy to address these with you and also offer any advice or reassurance.”

This article has been updated to reflect changes published by Thames Valley Police. Previous details said the victim was aged 25, this has since been updated by police to age 26.