POLICE officers have been granted powers to stop and search people in Nelson after two teens suffered serious injuries during an attack.

A 19-year-old man suffered serious leg and hand injuries and another 19-year-old man suffered serious stomach wounds in an

attack involving men with machetes.

It is believed the disorder may be connected to two incidents in Nelson yesterday including a fight close to Spar in Manchester Road around 11pm and a further report of a fight around 11.40pm in Southfield Street.

The section 60 powers give officers the ability to search people or vehicles without suspicion in an area where we believe violence could take place.

The powers have been granted to officers within the northern, central and eastern sides of Nelson, pictured in the image above.

A police spokesman said: "At this time we believe the incidents may be connected and would like to reassure people that we do not believe there to be any wider threat to the public.

"Having a Section 60 place gives us the power to search people or vehicles without suspicion in an area where we believe violence could take place.

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

The powers were put in place at 4pm today and will last until 4am tomorrow.