'Stop and search' order after Hackney Central stabbing

Police are continuing to investigate a stabbing at Hackney Central station today (March 1) at 1.29pm.

Armed officers rushed to the scene initially to reports of a firearms incident, however a man was found with stab wounds and was taken to hospital – where he remains in a critical condition.

• READ MORE: Man in 'critical condition' after knife attack at station

Now police will have additional powers across all of the Hackney borough until 3pm tomorrow (March 2).

With these powers, officers will be able to stop and search anyone within the area without needing to have reasonable grounds.

There is a s.60 search authority for the whole borough of Hackney from 1500hrs until 1500hrs tomorrow, 2nd March 2023 owing to an incident in central Hackney. The senior authorising officer is Inspector VIE. Police resources have been realigned to provide reassurance pic.twitter.com/3Gk4doAnPz

— Hackney Police (@MPSHackney) March 1, 2023

Metropolitan Police have said: “Police resources have been realigned to provide reassurance.”

An air ambulance was spotted landing near the station this afternoon.

• READ MORE: Hackney Central closed as man taken to hospital and armed police present - live updates

The station has been closed since this afternoon as officers investigate, and it remains closed at this time.

British Transport Police says officers want to speak to any witnesses or anyone in the area at the time, as it could help with their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 334 of March 1.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.