Stop and search powers were introduced around Prestwich and Heaton Park yesterday (June 11) after police received 'very credible evidence of gangs carrying machetes and knives' at Parklife festival, according to GMP. The section 60 powers came into effect from 5pm last night and lasted until 3am.
The force said the move, which temporarily granted officers extended powers to address 'the risk of serious violence or weapons', was not implemented because of a specific incident. However, deputy chief constable Terry Woods revealed today (June 12) that the measures were put into place after the police received intelligence relating to the two-day music festival at Heaton Park.
The comments came as the top cop told councillors about a recent increase in the use of Section 60 stop and searches in Greater Manchester. The powers which allow for suspicion-less searches of the public by police officers for up to 48 hours in a specific area are required to be authorised by a senior leader.
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Mr Woods, who was one of GMP's commander at Parklife, told the police, fire and crime panel what happened. He said: "Without going into huge detail, we got some very credible evidence of gangs carrying machetes and knives.
"One of the senior officers as part of that operation did a Section 60 authorisation. We publicise it so it's no secret – you'll see it on Facebook etc.
"That then gives the officers in that area a more proactive power to search people – and they did so."
Asked about the outcome, he told councillors: "We didn't have what was intended to happen – I would argue that was prevented. We'll never know."
Last year, the number of people and vehicles stopped and searched in Greater Manchester more than doubled to 24,438. In particular, the use of Section 60 by GMP also increased despite other forces reporting a fall in these figures.
Mr Woods told the panel that he believes Section 60 had been 'underused' in Greater Manchester, arguing that it is a 'useful power' if used responsibly. In the last 12 months, GMP has found weapons in 425 out of 6,887 searches.
He said GMP officers have found zombie knives and 'all sorts of horrific things' during these searches. Mr Woods later praised the way Parklife was managed.
He said: "I know from what I saw, and I know from my briefings, this year's plan in particular for Parklife, the multi-agency - I mean the venue as well - the sort of Manchester team effort, I thought was a particularly sound plan. Within that, there were aspects of drugs testing capabilities, and I think a very mature response to what is a predominantly younger people's event.
"What we weren't doing was arresting hundreds of young people. Manchester responded very maturely I think to that event and to keep people safe."
The organisers of Parklife festival have been contacted for comment.
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