Greater Manchester Police response to knife crime: More than 100 people searched using stop-and-search powers

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes

In response to three fatal stabbings in Greater Manchester on three consecutive weekends and other recent incidents of violent crime, senior officers authorised increased stopping and searching in Manchester, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan over the weekend (5 and 6 February).

Section 60 gives police the right to search people without reasonable grounds in a defined area at a specific time.

On Saturday and Sunday, officers stopped and searched 103 people, resulting in six arrests for a range of offences including theft without consent, possession of cannabis and public order offences. One stolen vehicle was also recovered.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: "On behalf of Greater Manchester Police, I send our condolences to the loved ones of Dylan Keelan who was, sadly, fatally stabbed in Tameside on Friday night. Our thoughts also remain with others affected by knife crime.

"Recent incidents are a tragic reminder of the threat, harm and risk that knives and other weapons pose and why fighting, preventing and reducing violent crime is a top priority for both police and partner agencies.

"We will continue to communicate with colleagues in hotspots across Greater Manchester to ensure they have the authorisation and resources to stop and search where and when necessary, whilst reassuring anyone who is concerned and deterring criminal behaviour.

"That being said, our communities have a part to play in this fight. If you know or suspect someone is carrying a weapon, please report it to police or Crimestoppers immediately - before it is too late.

"If you carry a weapon, my plea is that you surrender it using one of our no questions asked Forever Amnesty bins which are located at 13 police stations - one in each district and multiple in Manchester."

Anyone with information can contact GMP via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.