DERBY ALERT: Police given special powers to stop and search supporters before Hibs and Hearts clash
Police have been given special powers to stop and search fans ahead of tomorrow’s Edinburgh derby in a bid to avert ‘football-related disorder and violence’.
The rarely-used Section 60 procedure will be in force in various areas — including the city centre and Leith — from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday, before Hibernian take on Hearts at Easter Road.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, who is responsible for all policing in the capital, revealed: ‘Over the past few months, we have responded to several incidents of disorder and violence linked to football events in Edinburgh.
‘Attacks on police officers, possession of offensive weapons or dangerous instruments, and attempts to evade justice by concealing their identity will not be tolerated. Our officers will take all necessary action to ensure public safety.
‘This type of behaviour impacts the local community and the vast majority of football fans who simply want to enjoy these events safely.’
Police Scotland warned that supporters may be asked to remove items of clothing felt to be concealing their identity as part of the operation.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson has issued a warning to supporters ahead of derby
Hibernian will host Edinburgh rivals Hearts at Easter Road this Sunday
Dwight Gayle netted a late winner for Hibs when the sides met in December
More than a dozen men were charged following an outbreak of disorder in the city centre after Hibs played Motherwell last October.
Three men were also arrested and charged for carrying or using pyrotechnics when the Edinburgh sides met at Tynecastle on Boxing Day.
Officers are allowed to search those they believe to be under ‘reasonable suspicion’ of committing a crime, planning to commit a crime or in possession of a ‘prohibited article’ under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
The special powers also allow officers to ‘require the removal of any item the officer believes is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing their identity’.
These will include the right to stop and search those on foot and in vehicles.
Police deployed similar tactics on Bonfire Night in the city, when they were attempting to prevent disorder in a number of communities.
The Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, previously revealed that incidents of civil disorder — such as ahead of the Rangers-Celtic League Cup final in Glasgow last December — were stretching police resources ‘to breaking point’.
On that occasion, the Section 60 order was used to stop and search Rangers and Celtic fans.
