Stop and search powers authorised, 54 arrested in one day – violence reduction campaign launched following string of fatal stabbings

Police have been authorised to use stop and search powers in areas of Greater Manchester following a string of fatal stabbings in the region. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has granted the force the controversial powers in designated areas of the city-region following repeated knife crime incidents in recent months.

He said authorities will work to ensure the powers are not used in a discriminatory way.

He said: “We are making use of stop and search powers, I know they are to be used carefully and there are issues that arise with regards to stop and search, but if more weapons are being carried it follows, I’m afraid, that more will need to be done to apprehend those weapons.

“Under our new Chief Constable, we have a very different approach to policing in Greater Manchester than we’ve seen in recent years – all this is on the foundation of much stronger, more proactive community policing.

“On the enforcement side there is a raising of the game, definitely. But on the diversion side we’re taking that community approach, putting more money into youth activities and positive things for young people to do. We have a good approach, but we’re seeing how we can take that further.”

In one day of action alone across Oldham yesterday police officers were deployed to respond to community concerns and 54 people were arrested.

With so many young people recently having lost their lives as a result of knife crime in the region, Mr Burnham added: “It is heartbreaking to hear from parents who have been bereaved in this way – absolutely and utterly heartbreaking. And the suddenness of their loss is something no parent would ever want to have to contend with.”

Andy Burnham called a violence reduction meeting today (Friday