Section 60 stop and search powers introduced this evening covering parts of the Withington and Burnage area

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Under Section 60, officers can stop search anyone in a defined area within a specific timeframe.

From this evening (22 November 2022) until 5pm tomorrow (23 November 2022) GMP will be introducing Section 60 powers covering parts of the Withington and Burnage area of Manchester in response to a fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old.

These temporary additional powers will allow officers to stop and search people in the area shown in the attached map for the next 24 hours.

This is in response to recent knife crime related incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old young man this morning on Southlea Road, Withington.

Superintendent Helen Critchley, of GMPs City of Manchester division, said: “We understand the use of a Section 60 can cause concern to residents, however, we use these powers only when proportionate and necessary which I believe is the case today.  

“Please be reassured that we are doing all we can to keep you safe. We have deployed extra uniformed and non-uniformed officers to the area to support the investigation team and the community, and I want members of the public to know that they can approach officers and talk to them if they have any questions or concerns.

"The force is working with partner agencies to fight, prevent and reduce knife crime so I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who knows or suspects someone is carrying a weapon to report it before it’s too late.

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.