Eight people were arrested in Oxfordshire, prompting an increase in police powers.

A group of people were involved in a public disorder incident on Orchard Way, Banbury, outside a barbershop at around 2.19pm today (Friday, April 25).

Three 17-year-old boys, a 15-year-old boy, a 19-year-old man, a 23-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, and a 25-year-old man were all arrested in Banbury on suspicion of affray.

One of the 17-year-old boys has also been arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon.

Three people were injured and required hospitalisation: a 15-year-old boy, a 17-year-old boy, and a 35-year-old woman.

A Section 60 order has been issued in the Banbury area at 5 p.m. today (Friday) to prevent further violence.

The order temporarily enhances officers’ powers, allowing them to stop and search anyone in this designated area.

The order is effective for 24 hours and will expire at 5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday).

The scene on Friday in Banbury.  (Image by Newsquest)

Detective Inspector James Holden-White, of Banbury police station, said: “We understand that this disorder is concerning for the community, but we do not believe there is a threat to the general public.”

“We have issued a Section 60 order and increased patrols in the area, and we will continue to investigate the incident as a priority, having made eight arrests thus far.

“I am appealing to any witnesses or anyone with information about the disorder to please come forward.

“Please call 101 or submit a report on our website, quoting reference 43250201394.

Please upload any footage of the incident to the dedicated investigation portal rather than sharing it online.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.”

“The Section 60 order will give our officers additional powers to conduct stop and search operations, and it was enacted for the safety of the public.

“These are emergency powers, and the threshold for implementing them is extremely high; however, we are using them to protect our communities.

“If you are stopped by an officer, do not be concerned; this does not indicate that you are in trouble.

“If you are in the area and have any concerns, you can speak to any of our uniformed officers.”

Section 60’s boundary begins at the intersection of Orchard Way and Gillett Road, then continues on Orchard Way to the intersection of Warwick Road, then on Warwick Road to the intersection of Bath Road, then on Bath Road to the intersection of Gillett Road, and finally on Gillet Road to the intersection of Orchard Way.

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