POLICE in Bolton have searched more than 500 people using stop and search powers since the start of the year, new figures show.

A website detailing every stop and search made was launched by the government last month.

Latest figures show that Bolton police utilised the controversial power on 572 occasions between the start of the year and the end of July.

Of these, 299 were carried out in Bolton Central, 181 in the north division and 92 in the south.

Analysis of July's figures shows that 23 per cent of searches during the month involved ethnic minorities.

This percentage is slightly higher than the town's non-white British population according to the last census, which was about 14 per cent.

It also revealed a relatively low number of arrests — just eight out of 53 searches or 15 per cent.

No further action was taken against 26 of those searched.

The number of searches in Bolton is almost double that in Bury, where there have been just 308 since the start of the year.

Police say every officer is instructed to conduct searches ethically and responsibly.

Tony Lloyd, police and crime commissioner, described stop and search as a "valuable tool", but said it can damage trust if used without justification.

Ch Insp Carol Martin said: "We just would not use stop and search unless we needed to.

"Our officers are all trained to use stop and search responsibly, ethically and in the right circumstances.

"Everyone who is stopped and searched has the right to see the grounds and record of that search.

"People are often searched after they have already been arrested which might explain why the proportion of arrests is low."

The busiest month for searches was January, when 107 were carried out.

Mr Lloyd has also launched a web app to inform young people of their rights around stop and search.

He said: "It’s vital that police strike the right balance between public safety and individual freedoms.

"When stop and search is targeted appropriately and is proportionate and justified, it is a valuable tool for the police in tackling crime and helping to keep us safe.

"But when it is used without justification or good grounds, it severely damages trust in the police and erodes good relationships between police and the communities they serve.

“There is no excuse for police officers stopping people who are simply going about their business, as we all have the right to do.

"I am committed to making sure stop and searches are carried out properly"

Home Secretary Theresa May said: "Stop and search is undoubtedly an important police power.

"But when it is misused it can be counter-productive and an enormous waste of police time.

"If it is not operated in a targeted and proportionate way and if innocent people are stopped and searched for no good reason, it is hugely damaging to the relationship between the police and the public.

“This new website is a further step forward in the Government’s commitment to increasing the transparency of the police and ensuring the public can hold their force to account.”

To access access Mr Lloyd's app visit www.gmpcc.org.uk/stopandsearch