POLICE have launched stop and search powers across Eastleigh tonight.

It comes after a group of youths, some said to be armed with bottles, were involved in a brawl in the town yesterday.

Officers say they have now put in place powers to allow them to stop and search people in the town.

Police say they will be looking to find those carrying offensive weapons and blades.

The powers are set to be in place from 5.30pm tonight until 5.30pm tomorrow (November 22).

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "Officers in Eastleigh will be able to stop and search anyone in the area of the town centre tonight (Thursday 21 November) after Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 has been authorised.

"This power has been implemented following an incident of violent disorder that occurred last night.

"Section 60 can be implemented in areas where either serious violence has occurred or police believe serious violence is about to occur and gives officers the power to stop and search anyone in a designated location, defined in the map, looking for offensive weapons or bladed articles.

"Section 60 is an enhanced power that means we can stop and search anyone within the defined area on the map between the times given without the ‘reasonable grounds’ required in a normal stop and search."

It comes after police arrested three people following reports of a brawl in the Chamberlayne Road and Grantham Road areas of the town yesterday.

It was reported a group of young people were fighting and carrying weapons.

Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police say investigations are ongoing.