11 arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after knife attack in Bristol’s Easton

Avon and Somerset Police have secured increased legal ‘stop and frisk’ powers following the arrest of 11 people on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with a knife attack which left two men in hospital.

The reported attack happened near Rawnsley Park in Easton at around 4.40am this morning. Two men in their 20s were taken to hospital with stab wounds, one of whom was described by police as being in a serious condition. Neither man’s injuries were thought to be life-threatening.

As a result of the incident, police have closed Easton Way between the junction with Stapleton Road and Pennywell Road. There is also no access to Easton Way from the Old Market. Crime scene investigators were seen in and around Rawnsley Park and cordons were set up in the area, including Stapleton Road and Easton Way.

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In addition, Avon and Somerset Police have alerted the public that a senior officer has given authority to use enhanced ‘stop and search’ powers.

The powers came into effect at 7pm tonight (June 9) and will initially be in force for 24 hours and will allow uniformed officers to stop and search any person or vehicle in a specified area to find a gun to prevent serious violence.

Superintendent Lisa Simpson, who granted the powers under section 60 and section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, said: “We do not underestimate the concerns of the local community following this recent incident of knife crime and serious violence in Bristol. It is because of this that we have taken the decision to introduce section 60 powers for our officers.

“A section 60 power authorizes officers to stop and search a person if they suspect they may have knives or other weapons that could be used in serious violence in the area.

“In addition to this, they will also have a power under section 60AA which allows officers to ask people to remove face masks if they have reason to believe it is being worn to conceal their identity.”

Avon and Somerset Police said the increased power “does not mean people will be stopped indiscriminately and officers will still follow normal stop and search processes, including:

• Explaining why a person was stopped
• Recording the interaction on a body-worn video
• Giving a receipt to the person who was stopped

“The authorization can last up to 24 hours, after which it can be extended by another 24 hours by an inspector.

“Our decision to use these powers and searches carried out under this authority will be reviewed by the independent Police Powers Review Board of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, who may also review and test how they were carried out of searches”.

Earlier, Chief Inspector Scott Hill told BristolLive: “This is a significant incident and I am aware that there have been a number of similar incidents of this nature over the past few months. I also understand that there is great concern in the community around knife crime.

“We remain committed to reducing serious violence and knife crime, particularly among young people. Earlier this year we launched a proactive operation targeting serious violence and knife crime and are working closely with partners to identify and tackle the root causes.

“A police cordon remains in place in Beaumont Terrace and Rawnsley Park and officers will provide a high visibility presence in the area over the coming days. If you have any concerns or questions, please speak to our officers on patrol. “

Police are urging anyone who was in the Stapleton Road / Rawnsley Park area between 4.15am and 5am this morning and witnessed anything suspicious or has any video footage that could assist police with their inquiries to call 101 and give the call operator reference number 5224148270, or complete our online complaints form.

In addition, people can tip the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be tracked or recorded and you won’t go to court or have to speak to the police when you contact Crimestoppers.