WILD WEST BRITAIN: Stop and search comes to Harlow - man airlifted to hospital after being stabbed a

SCENE: Victim treated on a stretcher as onlookers watch police and paramedics (TWITTER/@nasirtanoliuk)

POLICE will carry out stop and search into the early hours of tomorrow in Harlow after a man was stabbed near the Essex new town's bus station tonight.

The man, believed to be in his late teens, was taken to hospital and his injuries are not life changing.

A police cordon was set up in the area and paramedics were also at the scene.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "A Section 60 (which allows the searches) has been authorised in Harlow. "We were called shortly before 9pm, this evening, Friday, June 7 with reports that a man had been stabbed near to the bus terminal on Terminus Street, Harlow. "Officers and paramedics arrived and a man in his late teens was taken to hospital by air ambulance with serious but non-life-changing injuries. "In order to prevent any further violent incidents from occurring, a Section 60 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 authority has been authorised across Harlow town centre." This means that until 3.45am on Saturday, June 8, Constables in uniform can use this power to stop and search anyone, specifically to prevent and detect the carrying of dangerous instruments or offensive weapons.

Reasonable grounds for suspicion are no longer required. The map below outlines the area which is covered by the Section 60.

SECTION 60: This map shows the red area where police can carry out stop and search (Essex Police)

The spokesman added: "Anyone who witnessed the incident or any suspicious behaviour in the area around this time are asked to contact Harlow police station on 101, quoting incident 1167. "Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org."