POLICE have scaled back their search efforts locally after discarded weapons were found around Crowthorne and Sandhurst.

Thames Valley Police said intelligence had uncovered plans for 'pre-arranged fights' over local rivalries.

As a result, the force upped police powers temporarily to stop and search anyone in the area under a section 60 order.

This order has now been lifted after being in place since 2pm on Friday.

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Local Policing Area Commander for Bracknell & Wokingham, Superintendent Felicity Parker, said: “While the Section 60 order was in place, a large number of searches were conducted in the area.

“During this time, I am pleased to report that no weapons were located, and this order has had the desired effect of preventing serious violence from taking place.

“Prevention is clearly always preferable to the need to respond to incidents, and so I hope that our actions have been re-assuring to the local community. Our high visibility patrols had the desired effect of deterring people from carrying weapons."

The commander went on to explain that the order can be reinstated at any time if officer see a need to carry out the extra searches for weapons, drugs, and any other tools carried to commit crime locally.

He added: "I would issue a stark warning to anybody who feels that they can carry weapons, that our officers will still be able to apply their ordinary stop and search powers.

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"This requires officers to have reasonable grounds of suspecting someone of carrying a weapon, controlled drug or any other tool to commit crime, and can and will be conducted if deemed necessary.

“The situation in Crowthorne and Sandhurst will be closely monitored over the coming days, and, if the grounds exist, a new Section 60 can be instigated."

The order follows intelligence, according to the force, which involved pre-planned fights being organised between groups of youths in the area, as well as the discovery of discarded weapons found locally.

The commander added: "This order was put in place as a preventative measure and to re-assure you all. We will always listen to local concerns and act accordingly to keep our communities safe.”