Police have authorised additional Section 60 search powers across Woolwich, Plumstead, Thamesmead and Bexley for the first time in lockdown.
Greenwich Met Police Service announced the powers, in force between 2pm today (May 6) and 5am tomorrow, in order to "prevent violent crime."
The Section 60 powers, which allow police to search anyone they want to within the areas concerned, are in place for Woolwich Riverside, Woolwich Common, Glyndon, Plumstead, Abbey Wood, Thamesmead Moorings and Bexley.
The stop and search powers are normally authorised in response to an incident of violent crime, or if police believe crime is about to take place.
Last Friday, the Met and Greenwich Council undertook a major disruption operation across the affected areas, making 18 arrests and seizing weapons.
However, in a tweet Greenwich MPS stated that the additional search powers have been authorised to prevent violent crime.
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