Bolton police increase stop search powers in Great Lever

Extra patrols have been stepped up in Green Lane and Lever Edge Lane following a tip off from the community.

The enhanced powers enable police to stop and search anyone in a 'defined area at a specific time'.

And those found to be carrying offensive weapons or dangerous instruments have been warned they will be prosecuted.

The nature of the intelligence has not been revealed, but The Bolton News has previously reported on young people arranging pre-arranged fights with weapons.

Schoolchildren in Bolton organising fights 'involving weapons'

Previously such powers have been used following a fight.

And today officers appealed for parents to step-up and ensure they know where their children are.

 Chief Inspector Justine Topping, 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 officers in and around the Green Lane, Lever Edge Lane and surrounding parks and estates in Great Lever and 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."

And in addition a dispersal order has been authorised allowing police to order people out of an area and ban them from returning.

The order is in place until 6pm tomorrow.

Police stop search powers increased in Bolton after tip-off

Police have used enhanced stop and search powers in Bolton a number of times in recent months, following what they describe as 'intelligence from the community'.

Such powers were also authorised to be used in Bolton after a number of incidents in which people were stabbed in Greater Manchester.