Officers in Ellesmere Port granted more powers to stop and search

Officers in Ellesmere Port have been given more powers to stop and search anyone they suspect of carrying a weapon.

It follows concerns raised by the local community after three reports of robberies taking place in the town.

The powers have been granted temporarily under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994).

The order means that officers can stop and search any person or vehicle they believe may be carrying weapons or causing serious violence in a particular area, whether or not they have any grounds of suspicion.

The powers will be in place from 3pm Thursday 9 February, and will remain in force until 2.59pm on Friday 10 February. It applies to an area of Ellesmere Port including the Westminster Estate, Town Centre and Wolverham areas.

Chief Inspector Leeroy Moss said: “I want to reassure the public that this is just one of the ways in which we are using all the powers available to us to locate those responsible.

“Along with the order, there will be an additional police presence across the town and anyone believed to be causing disruption in the community will be targeted.

“With this in mind, anyone who has any concerns, please approach an officer and they will do their best to assist.”

Anyone who has any information about someone carrying a weapon is urged to contact police on 101, visit the Cheshire Police website or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.