Stop and search powers following fatal stabbing

Police will be using stop and search powers in an area of Birmingham following a fatal stabbing.

A man in his 30s died in hospital on Friday after being found with stab wounds in the Hodge Hill area of the city on Tuesday.

West Midlands Police said a murder investigation was underway and it has appealed for witnesses and further information.

Birmingham Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Chanelle Whitney said: "Residents will continue to see extra officers in the area, and we again urge anyone with concerns to speak to us."

The Section 60 powers, which it was granted to carry out the searches in the area, will be in place until 02:00 BST on Sunday.

Section 60 powers allow the police to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds.

In a separate case, the stop and search powers were also used on Friday night when police officers arrested four men and recovered a loaded revolver and machetes.

The force said the officers had been carrying out reassurance patrols near Alum Rock Road when they spotted their vehicle and gave chase.

Along with the machetes and firearm, they later found more ammunition, drugs and mobile phones at a linked address.

The police said the four men, aged between 24 and 30, were in custody being questioned on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

Det Insp Matt Baldwin, from Birmingham Police, said: "We don't use Section 60 powers lightly, and our priority is keeping the public safe and preventing disorder.

"With extra officers in the area overnight and these powers in place, excellent proactive work from our teams has seen several dangerous weapons taken off the streets.

"We are grateful to the local community for their continued support, and we continue to listen to information from them."

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