A Section 60 order is a preventative power that allows police to stop and search members of the public without the usual requirement for reasonable grounds. According to the Met Police, the decision to authorise such a power is not taken lightly and can only be made by a senior police officer.

       In a statement on Twitter, the police service said the Section 60 would remain in effect until Saturday morning.

       It read: “A section 60 has been authorised from 6.05pm 'til 9am on 04/12/21 by Inspector Chambers.

       “The area affected is the whole of Wandsworth borough.

       “Due to a number of knife related incidents earlier today.”

       The order is normally used as a tactic to help remove weapons from the street and ultimately save lives.

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