Police have been granted special powers to stop and search anyone in particular parts of Borehamwood tonight.

It comes after intelligence suggested there are people in the town carrying knives - and they are believed to know each other.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has been granted a Section 60 which means officers do not need reasonable grounds to stop and search anyone.

The section 60 which has been running from 4pm today til 2am (Thursday) is in place at Elstree & Borehamwood station, Allum Lane, Shenley Road, Theobald Street between Shenley Road and Rossington Avenue, and Green Street between Kitswell Lodge and Cowley Hill.

Hertsmere Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector Mark Bilsdon said: “These measures are response to intelligence suggesting that a number of people are carrying knives in certain parts of the town. We have reason to believe those involved in this activity are known to one another.

“There are serious consequences if you choose to carry a knife. Not only will you face a possible custodial sentence and criminal record, which could affect your job prospects in later life, but you could cause yourself or another person serious injury or worse.

“While some people feel pressured to carry a knife, perhaps as protection or because their friends say it will earn them respect or make others fear them, the truth is that it simply puts you in more danger.”

Police believe the community should be aware of the authorisation of a section 60.