s 2 The following is the Schedule inserted after Schedule 4 to the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43)— SCHEDULE 4A Powers of authorised officers executing warrants
(1) An authorised officer may enter and search any premises for the purpose of executing a warrant of arrest, commitment or detention issued in proceedings for or in connection with any criminal offence. (2) The power may be exercised— (a) only to the extent that it is reasonably required for that purpose; and (b) only if the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that the person whom he is seeking is on the premises. (3) In relation to premises consisting of two or more separate dwellings, the power is limited to entering and searching— (a) any parts of the premises which the occupiers of any dwelling comprised in the premises use in common with the occupiers of any other such dwelling; and (b) any such dwelling in which the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that the person whom he is seeking may be.