Police bring in Stop and Search powers in Blackpool town centre.

The Section 60 order was put in place in the Talbot area from 7pm last night following a serious street altercation which took place on Thursday night.

Officers say a group of men armed with weapons were fighting first on Talbot Road and then on Cookson Street.

A 28-year old man from Blackpool was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital with serious injuries to his arm, head and neck. He is currently in a stable condition.

Two men aged 30 and 32 from Blackpool were arrested on suspicion of wounding. Police say they are treating the assault as targeted.

A section 60 gives officers the power to search people or vehicles without suspicion in an area where they believe violence could take place.

They also have the power to require the removal of face coverings or disguises.

A police spokesman said: "This should not overly concern people. It’s not about targeting people, but is about making sure we do all we can to keep people safe."

The powers were in place until 7am today and covered an area bounded by the Promenade, up to Banks Street in the north, around Blackpool North Station, Buchanan Street, Caunce Street and back down to the seafront by the Winter Gardens.

It is not clear yet how many people were stopped during the 12-hour operation, or if any offences were committed.