Police extend increased stop and search powers along Metrolink line after knife robberies

Police patrols have been stepped up and increased stop and search powers authorised after a series of knifepoint robberies around Metrolink stops, it's been revealed.

Police chiefs in Trafford said it follows the reporting of 11 incidents - and a total of 14 crimes - along a corridor through the borough on Thursday. Victims are all said to be aged between 13 and 18.

A young man and a young woman have also been threatened with a knife in separate reported robberies since Sunday, police added, with no injuries reported.

So-called section 60 stop and search powers are in force between the Altrincham interchange along the Metrolink route line to Trafford Bar and Cornbrook, taking in Timperley, Sale, Stretford and Old Trafford.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "From 4pm today (October 14), we have continued Section 60 powers in parts of Trafford.

"These temporary additional powers allow us to stop and search people in the areas and immediate vicinity of the Metrolink stops until midnight tonight.

"This follows proactive work from the last Section 60 that was authorised during yesterday where 11 incidents were reported of 14 crimes, victims being aged between 13-18 years. It outlines the areas along the Manchester Metrolink, from the Altrincham interchange to Cornbrook, along with other key areas for the purposes of the Section 60.

"This is following recent robberies in the area that has seen a young man and a young woman threatened with a knife in separate incidents since Sunday. Fortunately no one has been injured.

"We understand the use of a Section 60 can cause concern, however, we use these powers when receiving intelligence that there is an increased risk of violence in the areas outlined. Our priority is