POLICE in Cheshire have stopped and questioned 64% more people this year than last.

In all 4% of those stopped were from ethnic minorities despite Cheshire only having 2% of its population described as Black Minority Ethnic.

But police authority member Moira Chapman said: “I am pleased to say that from our checks, everyone who has been stopped has been treated equally.”

Figures for the last 12 months show 78,751 people were stopped in Cheshire by officers and in 9,733 cases searches were also carried out.

The force said the rise is largely due to neighbourhood officers spending more time in the community, dealing with issues such as anti social behaviour.

The police authority has also welcomed the way Cheshire police officers are using their powers to stop and search the public.

Every three months members of the authority, senior officers and an independent advisory group, made the public from across Cheshire, question the constabulary about the reasons why citizens are stopped and/or searched.

Moira Chapman added: “Whenever we have spotted areas for concern, valid reasons have been provided.

“If the police stop and search you and ask you to account for yourself, they must give you a written form.’’

For more information about stop and search visit www.cheshirepa.police.uk