Police powers authorised after large fight in Horsham

A section of Horsham town centre has been cordoned off as detectives investigate a large scale fight.

Police responded to several reports of youth violence in Carfax around 11pm on Monday 29 May.

A number of weapons were seized and 13 people aged between 13 and 19 were arrested. They remain in custody at this time.

Following the incident, police authorised Section 60 powers. This allows officers to:

• Stop any pedestrian and search them or anything carried by them for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments;
• Stop any vehicle and search the vehicle, its driver and any passenger for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments;
• If in the course of a search under this section the constable discovers a dangerous instrument or an article which they have reasonable grounds for suspecting to be an offensive weapon, they may seize it.

The authorisation remains in place until 12.26am on Wednesday 31 May and this can be extended.

Chief Inspector Ben Starns, of the Crawley and Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while we respond to this incident. At least three people sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries, and it is vital that we contain the area to preserve as much evidence as possible to assist our investigation. We only get one chance to do this.

“I acknowledge the impact this is having on the local community – especially some businesses which are currently unable to open – and I extend my thanks to them. We hope to be able to lift the cordon as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, the public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area. I would urge anyone who saw what happened, or captured anything on camera – including CCTV or dash cam – to please come forward. You can speak to our officers at the scene, or report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1727 of 29/05.”

There is not believed to be any threat to the wider community at this time.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.