With home secretary Priti Patel writing to police forces across the country announcing the easing of restrictions on stop-and-search powers our special report takes an in-depth look on how the controversial measures could play out in Bolton.

“Everyone” needs to play their part tackling knife crime according to police, as a weeklong initiative draws to a close.

Operation Sceptre had seen police in Bolton, Greater Manchester and all over the country increase searches for knives to stem a concerning tide of violence that, in the case of Bolton, has already claimed several lives.

This has coincided with home secretary Priti Patel’s decision to left restrictions of controversial stop-and-search powers, but according to officers on the ground parents talking to their children is just as vital.

A Greater Manchester Police statement said: “Know what’s in your knife drawer and have a conversation with your children about consequences of carrying a knife.

“You may think these actions are extreme and don’t apply to you and your family, but if we are going to tackle knife crime, we need everyone to play their part.”

Operation Sceptre was aimed, police say, at encouraging people to think about the consequences of knife crime and about the impact it can have on families and communities.

Carrying a knife can result in four years in prison, even if the knife is not used, a criminal record and in the worst cases injury or even the loss of life.