A SECTION 60 order giving police enhanced stop and search powers is in force on the Beechwood estate following recent incidents, including an alleged firearm sighting earlier today which led to a man's arrest.

The Order, which came into force at 5pm and ends at 4am tomorrow, is served under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

It gives police enhanced stop and search powers in a specified geographic location for a set period of time.

The authorisation includes the extent of the whole roads at the boundary and the area and land within this boundary.

Earlier today a 20-year-old man from Kensington was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) following a police chase through Beechwood and has been taken to a police station for questioning.

Community Policing Inspector Tom Welch said: "I want to assure those in the community that we take all such incidents extremely seriously and increased patrols will be in the area tonight so speak us with any issues and we will take the appropriate action."

Anyone with information on crime in the area is urged to come forward and speak to us, either directly or via @MerPolCC, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.