Met Police in Wandsworth and Merton have issued a Section 60 order across parts of South London from 6.30 pm this evening until January 24.

A statement posted online by Met Police Wandsworth said:

"Section 60 stop and search authority has been authorised for the following wards: West Hill, Roehampton, West Putney, East Putney, Southfields, Wimbledon Park and Wimbledon Village.

"This is in response to two incidents in the area where knives or sharply bladed or pointed articles were used and the authority is granted as it is believed to be necessary to prevent further occurrences."

Police describe a Section 60 order as a legitimate power and a tactical option for use in the prevention of serious violence and the detection of dangerous instruments and offensive weapons.

The act also gives police the right to search people in a defined area during a specific time period when they believe that serious violence is likely to take place and it is necessary to use this power to prevent such violence.