OVER 40 people were stopped and searched in Shotton over the weekend.

A section 60 order was put in place by North Wales Police to last the weekend, following a number of violent incidents in the area.

The powers allow officers to stop and search anyone in a defined area without needing to have reasonable grounds.

It was triggered on Friday and was extended for the maximum 48-hours allowed, ending on Sunday afternoon.

Insp Gareth Cust of the North Flintshire Policing team said: "Using a Section 60 Order is not something we take lightly. We will, however, use it to ensure public safety and prevent violence and weapon offences.

"More than 40 people were searched over this period with some positive stop searches where offenders were dealt with.

"The feedback from partners and on social media is that the public support us in these actions and want to see us using these powers to protect the community ,so we will continue to use them when it is proportionate to do so.

"I would ask anyone who has information about people carrying weapons to call us 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Cllr Mike Evans, of Shotton Town Council said he is 100 per cent behind North Wales Police's decision.

He added: "I am 100 per cent behind the police implementing the Section 60 as on Thursday night there were up to 12 police cars and a ambulance in my street at 6.30pm with a lot of older girls and lads screaming and brawling in the middle of the road.

"There was a lot of very scared residents, a lot of elderly people live in our street and usually that time of night it's quite busy with people taking their dogs for a walk to the Kanes and 33 Club field."