A mini Samurai sword has been seized and eight people were stopped and searched as police crack down on serious violence in Millbrook.

Special stop and search powers were implemented for 24 hours over the weekend.

It comes after a gang of youths armed with weapons damaged an address in Windermere Avenue and threatened the occupants at 9.30pm on Friday, June 10.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article in a public place and possession of a class B substance.

He has been released on bail until July 8.

READ MORE: Youths armed with weapons damage Southampton home and threaten occupants

A mini Samurai sword was recovered during the investigation, and eight people were stopped and searched over the weekend.

Section 60 is an emergency power that allows officers to stop and search anyone in a designated location, without the restrictions of normal stop and search powers.

Acting Inspector Rob Morant has said that officers "will not hesitate to take further action against those intent on engaging in serious violence" following a number of incidents in Millbrook.

On May 29, a group of youths armed with wooden bats, knives and metal poles damaged plant pots and threatened the occupants. 

READ MORE: Boy, 14, arrested after gang of youths target house in Millbrook

The incident took place in Windermere Avenue at around 3.30pm. 

A/Insp Morant added: “This level of violence and use of weapons in Southampton will not be tolerated.

“We are able to implement a Section 60 order at any time and we will use further powers if we need to in order to prevent this kind of disorder from happening.

“We are pleased that this Section 60 prevented any further serious violence from occurring in the area over weekend, however our work on this hasn’t stopped.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public for their ongoing support in us taking this action and reassure you that we are increasing our patrols, and working hard with partners and wider support services to identify those who are repeatedly intent on causing harm.

“Publicising this operation not only allows us to tell the community what we are doing and why, but also prevents further of incidents of violence occurring in the first place and sends out a clear message to those carrying weapons that we won’t tolerate it in our city.

“You can always be confident to report concerns you have about serious violence or people carrying weapons. You are our eyes and ears in the community and we can only prevent and tackle these incidents with your support."

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News