Special stop and search police powers introduced in a Birmingham area this afternoon have been cancelled after police made three arrets. Three teenage suspects were arrested after Section 60 powers - which allow police to stop and search anyone without the need to have reasonable grounds - were put in place in Small Heath after a spate of violent robberies in the Ackers Recreation Ground and the surrounding canal network.
A number of people were approached and threatened with weapons by a group of men, police said. Some of the victims were punched and kicked and they required hospital treatment.
The special police powers were due to last in the area until 7pm tonight but were cancelled following the arrests. Two men, both aged 18, along with a 17-year-old boy were arrested this afternoon. They remain in custody.
Read more: Special search powers in place after violent robberies in Small Heath as victims hospitalised
Police said, as a result of the arrests, the Section 60 powers activated earlier were cancelled. A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We've arrested three teenagers on suspicion of robbery following the activation of Section 60 powers.
"Two men, both aged 18, along with a 17-year-old boy are in custody. As a result of these arrests, the Section 60 powers activated earlier today have been cancelled."
The force previously said in a statement: "We will be using Section 60 powers in Birmingham this afternoon following a series of violent robberies. The powers will be active from 2pm today (5 July) to 7pm following a series of robberies in the Ackers Recreation Ground and the surrounding canal network.
"A number of people have been approached and threatened with weapons by a group of men. Some of the victims have been punched and kicked, requiring hospital treatment. Section 60 powers allow us to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds."
