On Sunday, 31st March, the Home Secretary Sajid Javid, announced that he would be making it easier for officers to stop and search people.

He said: “The police are on the front line in the battle against serious violence and it’s vital we give them the right tools to do their jobs.

“Stop and search is a hugely effective power when it comes to disrupting crime, taking weapons off our streets and keeping us safe.

“That’s why we are making it simpler for police in areas particularly affected by serious violence to use Section 60 and increasing the number of officers who can authorise the power.”

Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act empowers officers to stop and search anyone in a designated area without needing reasonable grounds for suspicions if serious violence is involved.