POLICE officers in Bolton have been given extra powers to stop and search people this afternoon following 'intelligence from the local community'.

Officers will be carrying out increased stop searches throughout today.

They have not revealed what the intelligence is but say the powers have been authorised to keep people safe.

Patrols will be stepped up today.

Under Section 60, officers can stop search anyone in a defined area at a specific time.

The powers have been used a number of times over the past weeks.

Chief Inspector Martin Ashurst, of GMP's Bolton district, 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 this afternoon/evening to ensure they are both safe and legal.

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

Police to increase use of stop and search in Bolton after 'fight'

Police were given extra powers to stop and search people after a fight broke out and stop searches were enhanced following intelligence received from the communities and social media.

Earlier this month police were give the powers 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, 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.

Officers in Bolton to increase stopping and searching this weekend in response to knife crimes

Announcing the use of the procedure, 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.”