‘Baseball bat attack’ on teen in Preston prompts extra police presence and powers
A wide area of Preston saw extra police patrols -and officers had additional powers.
Extra stop and search powers were put in place in parts of Preston on Saturday evening after reports a teenage boy had been assaulted with a baseball bat.
Lancashire Police said the measures would remain in force until at least 3am on Sunday in an area that extends from the outskirts of the city centre to the M6 - incorporating Brookfield, Moor Nook, Grange, Greenlands, Fishwick, Callon and St Matthew’s. Additional officers are also patrolling the targeted zone. -
It came after officers were called to Bidston Street, in Fishwick, shortly before 5pm on Saturday in response to an alleged assault nearby. The victim’s injuries are not life-threatening, the force said.
The so-called ‘section 60’ powers entitle officers to stop and search people ‘without reasonable suspicion’ - and order them to remove face coverings - in designated places deemed to be at risk of violence and where it is believed individuals could be carrying weapons. Usually the police require ‘reasonable grounds’ to stop and search anyone they suspect may be in possession of a weapon.
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A statement on the Preston Police Facebook page on Saturday evening said: “We take incidents of this nature extremely seriously and we have officers, including those from our Preston Taskforce, currently out and about in the city.
“There are an increased number of officers in the area. Please don’t be concerned. They are there for reassurance and to ensure reports are investigated thoroughly.
“Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 and quote log 1019 of 18th April 2026.
“Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.”
The same section 60 authority was used across a similar area on Good Friday after reports of multiple teenagers roaming the streets armed with knives and other weapons.