Over 100 searched in weekend of knife crime action
It's after another fatal stabbing in Manchester bringing the total since the new year to three
Police in Greater Manchester searched over one hundred people this weekend in a bid to tackle knife crime.
It comes after a third fatal stabbing in as many weeks after the death of 20 year old Dylan Keelan
Senior officers authorised increased stopping and searching in Manchester, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan over the weekend.
Section 60 gives police the right to search people without reasonable grounds in a defined area at a specific time.
On Saturday and Sunday, officers stopped and searched 103 people, resulting in six arrests for a range of offences including theft without consent, possession of cannabis and public order offences.
One stolen vehicle was also recovered.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: "On behalf of Greater Manchester Police, I send our condolences to the loved ones of Dylan Keelan who was, sadly, fatally stabbed in Tameside on Friday night. Our thoughts also remain with others affected by knife crime.
"Recent incidents are a tragic reminder of the threat, harm and risk that knives and other weapons pose and why fighting, preventing and reducing violent crime is a top priority for both police and partner agencies.
"We will continue to communicate with colleagues in hotspots across Greater Manchester to ensure they have the authorisation and resources to stop and search where and when necessary, whilst reassuring anyone who is concerned and deterring criminal behaviour.
"That being said, our communities have a part to play in this fight. If you know or suspect someone is carrying a weapon, please report it to police or Crimestoppers immediately - before it is too late.
"If you carry a weapon, my plea is that you surrender it using one of our no questions asked Forever Amnesty bins which are located at 13 police stations - one in each district and multiple in Manchester."