Section 23 Entry to search for persons unlawfully detained.
Northern Ireland
Where any person is believed to be unlawfully detained in such circumstances that his life is in danger, any member of Her Majesty’s forces on duty or any constable may, subject to subsection (2), enter any premises or other place for the purpose of ascertaining whether that person is so detained there.
A dwelling-house may be entered in pursuance of subsection (1)—
by a member of Her Majesty’s forces, only when authorised to do so by a commissioned officer of those forces; and
by a constable, only when authorised to do so by an officer of the Royal Ulster Constabulary not below the rank of inspector.
Notes on the whole Act
Textual amendments
- F1
Act repealed (19.2.2001) by 2000 c. 11, s. 125(2), Sch. 16 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/421, arts. 2, 3
- F2
Act ceased to have effect (subject to temporary extension of specified provisions as mentioned below) (20.7.2000) (temporary extension: by ss. 2(2), 128, Sch. 1 paras. 1, 2(1) of 2000 c. 11 there is continued in force for a period of 12 months beginning with 20.7.2000 any provision of the Act (except ss. 26(1)(b), 35 and 50) if and so far as it is in force immediately before 20.7.2000 by virtue of an order under s. 62(3) of this Act)
Act wholly repealed (19.2.2001) by virtue of 2000 c. 11, ss. 2(1)(b), 125(2), 128, Sch. 16 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/421, art. 2