9.—(1) If a justice of the peace, on sworn information in writing, or in Scotland by evidence on oath, or in Northern Ireland on a sworn complaint in writing, is satisfied—
(a)that there are reasonable grounds to enter any premises for the purposes of executing or enforcing the European Regulations or these Regulations; and
(b)that any of the conditions in paragraph (2) are met,
the justice may by signed warrant authorise the authorised officer to enter the premises, if need be by reasonable force.
(2) The conditions are that—
(a)admission to the premises has been refused, or a refusal is expected, and (in either case) notice of the intention to apply for a warrant has been given to the occupier;
(b)asking for admission to the premises, or the giving of such notice, would defeat the object of the entry;
(c)entry is required urgently; or
(d)the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent.
(3) A warrant is valid for three months.
(4) An authorised officer entering any premises which are unoccupied or from which the occupier is temporarily absent must leave them as effectively secured against unauthorised entry as they were before entry.
(5) In this regulation, a reference to a justice of the peace—
(a)in Scotland includes a sheriff; and
(b)in Northern Ireland is a reference to a lay magistrate.