Police have adopted additional stop and search powers following a number of violent incidents in a city.

Bedfordshire Police said a Section 60 order, which allows increased powers, was imposed in Luton on Sunday evening following three incidents involving knives in the Marsh Farm area.

The force said the aim of the order was to “ensure public safety” and “deter further offending”.

The order is in force until 8 a.m. Monday but could be extended, the force said.