(1)This section applies if a constable has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person—
(a)is carrying a corrosive substance, and
(b)has committed or is committing an offence under section 6.
(2)The constable may search the person without warrant, and detain the person for such time as is reasonably required to permit the search to be carried out.
(3)If in the course of the search the constable finds a substance which the constable reasonably suspects to be a corrosive substance, the constable may seize and retain the substance and any article in which it is contained.
(4)If a constable detains a person under this section the constable must inform the person of the reason for doing so.
(5)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)intentionally obstructs a constable in the exercise of the constable's powers under this section, or
(b)conceals a corrosive substance from a constable acting in the exercise of those powers.
(6)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
(7)In this section “corrosive substance” has the same meaning as in section 6.
Commencement Information
I1S. 11 in force at 1.1.2021 by S.S.I. 2020/410, reg. 2(c)