SEVERAL police officers swooped on Bolton town centre this evening.

Two police vehicles arrived in Le Mans Crescent shortly before 5pm.

About seven officers, including police community support officers (PCSOs), descended on Newport Street.

A boy, believed to be in his late teens, was stopped and searched by officers outside A&M Newsbox.

However, no one was arrested.

A large group of shoppers watched on as the teenager was searched. A police officer has powers to stop and search someone if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect that the person possesses illegal drugs, a weapon, stolen property or something which could be used to commit a crime, such as a crowbar.

The police dispersed at about 5.10pm.

The police can stop and question anyone at any time — they can conduct a search depending on the situation.

A person can only be stopped and searched without reasonable grounds if it has been approved by a senior police officer.

A PCSO must be in uniform when they stop and question someone. A police officer does not always have to be in uniform.

The Bolton News has contacted Greater Manchester Police. To report crime, call police on 101. Call 999 in an emergency.