A teenager has been arrested after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed in the back on Sunday in Thornhill, sparking police to use emergency powers.

After the stabbing in Linacre Road shortly after 7pm on Sunday, residents were left struggling to comprehend what had happened and police carried out a section 60 order over swathes of Southampton and surrounding areas, including Hedge End, giving them powers to stop and search anyone.

Today, police confirmed that as part of these stop and searches, a 14-year-old boy from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is currently in a police custody cell to be questioned by officers.

READ MORE: ‘It’s lawless’: Shock as 14-year-old boy is stabbed in Thornhill

The emergency powers were put in place following the incident, were extended at 3pm yesterday and were lifted at 9.30am this morning.

During this period of time, 25 stop searches were carried out by officers.

A 25-year-old man and a 58-year-old man, from Southampton were also arrested after a car was searched and suspected class A drugs, cash and several mobile phones were found.

Two Community Resolution Orders, ones aimed at first-time offenders for less serious offences and where the incident appears to be isolated, were issued for the possession of class B drugs – namely cannabis.

Inspector Stacey Kirby said: “Section 60 is an emergency power and can be put in place quickly to prevent incidents of serious violence.  It was implemented following an incident on Linacre Road earlier this week.

“This power also enables us to apprehend those who are carrying weapons in the area or are involved in planned serious violence.

“I would like to stress that we are not able to undertake this type of activity without information from communities. We act on the information you provide to us and we have responded accordingly. 

“We promote our Section 60 emergency powers because we want to take every opportunity to prevent serious violence.  It is also important that our communities know that we are in their neighbourhoods, taking action in relation to violent crime.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing support in us taking this action.  You are our eyes and ears out there so if you see or hear anything suspicious, or if you have any concerns or issues, please do get in touch. 

"We must continue to work together to tackle serious violence in our communities. Information we receive from the community allows us take these steps and prevent further crime.

“If you have any concerns or information we should know, please do call 101 quoting 44230275652 or via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. You can also report this to us via independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“However, if you are concerned about someone carrying weapons in your neighbourhood, or you see something suspicious you think is potentially related to serious violence, please dial 999.”