Police in Bolton will be increasing the stop and search – in response to what they say is “intelligence received from the communities and social media.”

Officers have not released details of the intelligence but The Bolton News understands it is in relation to a fight which broke out yesterday.

And police have urged parents to make sure the plans their children have are safe.

Section 60 allows officers to search anyone in a given area at a specific time.

Those found with weapons can be prosecuted as a result.

And police have now revealed Section 60 is coming into force in Bolton.

Officers last introduced enhanced stop and search powers last month in response to a number of stabbings in Greater Manchester including in Bolton.

But police had now said it is in response to intelligence which has been gathered "from the communities and social media."

Chief Inspector Martin Ashurst, from GMP’s Bolton district, urged parents to ensure the plans of their children were safe.

He said: "We've made the decision to authorise Section 60 powers to prevent violence and keep people safe.

"Alongside increased stop searches, we have deployed extra uniformed and non-uniformed officers.
"I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to parents/ carers to talk to young people about their plans for the weekend to ensure they are both safe and legal.

"GMP will not tolerate violent crime - preventing and reducing it is one of our highest priorities."