Following a number of serious incidents in Oxford involving weapons in the last two weeks, Thames Valley Police Chief Superintendent Ben Clark, Oxfordshire LCU commander, is providing an update to the community.

The force is currently investigating stabbings in Fry’s Hill Park, Blackbird Leys on 25 March; Comie’s Caribbean Bar & Grill, Garsington Road, on Friday (4/4) and another incident in Blackbird Leys Park, near to the Leisure Centre in Pegasus Road yesterday (6/4).

A Section 60 stop and search order was enacted at 7.25pm on Sunday for a 24-hour period covering the entire Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys area.

This has now been extended for a further 24 hours, to 7.25pm on Tuesday (8/4) and can be reviewed and extended if it is deemed necessary to do so.

The area covered by this Section 60 order is as defined by the map incorporating the area bordered by Oxford Eastern Bypass to the north, the A4074 in the west, Grenoble Road in the south and the B480 to the east.

On Tuesday 25 March, a 15-year-old boy was stabbed in the face, sustaining serious injuries, which required hospital treatment. He has since been discharged.

On Friday, a man aged in his forties was stabbed, and was also treated in hospital. He has also since been discharged.

Yesterday in Blackbird Leys Park at a community event, a 17-year-old boy sustained knife injuries to his face, hands and buttocks and was taken to hospital, where he remains at this time.

A number of arrests have been made in connection with the first two incidents, while investigations are ongoing in relation to the incident in Blackbird Leys Park yesterday, but no arrests have been made.

Chief Superintendent Clark said: “I am very conscious to the concerns these three incidents have caused in our local community in the Blackbird Leys area of Oxford.

“We are keeping an open mind as to the possibility that the three incidents are linked, and we have made a number of arrests and are investigating each incident as a priority.

“The overwhelming majority of people in Blackbird Leys are, as am I, disgusted at this outbreak of serious violence, and rightly expect us to bring the offenders to justice.

“We are absolutely committed to doing so, and we will leave no stone unturned to prosecute those who have been involved in these incidents.

“Over the coming days, you will see a continued increased police presence with additional patrols, and I have taken the decision to extend a Section 60 stop and search order to cover a defined area, as defined by the map.

“This order gives officers extra powers to stop and search anybody in the area, and we expect to see a number of these while the order remains in place.

“If you are stopped and searched, this does not mean you are in trouble, and I would ask you to please be reassured that officers will address any concerns that you have.

“Section 60 powers are not infinite, and can only remain in place for 24 hour periods. These powers, however, can be extended should it be deemed necessary to do so, which I have taken the decision to do so at this time.

“I will have no hesitation and in extending this order further if it is necessary to do so. Knife crime has absolutely no place in our community, and we are absolutely committed to stamping this out and adopting a zero tolerance approach to anybody found in possession of a knife or any other weapon.

 “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the overwhelming majority of our community for their support and understanding of the challenges we have been faced with.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure that Blackbird Leys remains a safe place to live, and again, I would urge anybody with any concerns to please speak to any officers in the area.

“Help from our community is also vital in ensuring we keep the public safe. If you have any information around anybody who carries weapons, you can report this to Thames Valley Police.

“You can do so in the strictest confidence via our website or by calling 101, or for 100% anonymity, you can all the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“I would also again appeal to the public if you have any information about any of the three incidents to please get in touch with us.

Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council said: “I'm deeply concerned about the recent incidents of violence in Blackbird Leys, and my thoughts are with those injured and their families.

“Blackbird Leys is a strong and proud community, and I know many people locally will be feeling unsettled.

“We support the police response, including the use of the Section 60 order and additional patrols as a short-term measure to help keep residents safe while police continue their investigations.

“I want to reassure residents that the Council is working alongside the police, youth workers and communities to ensure a visible presence and support for young people and families in the area.

“If anyone has any information that could help the investigation, please contact Thames Valley Police or Crimestoppers. We must all come together to tackle the causes of violence and keep our communities safe for everyone.”