New data on Suffolk's stop and searches has revealed the youngest subject was a nine-year-old who was found in possession of a knife, with the county's police and crime commissioner commending the "important policing tactic".

From April 2022 to March 2023, 4,046 stop searches were conducted across Suffolk.

Of this number, 909 subjects were under 18, showing a 13% increase from the previous year.

The youngest was a nine-year-old, who was the subject of a stop search having been witnessed in possession of a knife which was retrieved during the search.

Suffolk's police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore, said the use of police powers was discussed at a recent accountability meeting with Chief Constable Rachel Kearton.

He added: "The figures did show an increase on the previous year but we need to remember the earlier data set was heavily influenced by the pandemic lockdowns."

In Suffolk, local under 18s are 3.8 times more likely to be subject to stop and search than their over 18 counterparts, the figures show.

Male under 18s also made up the highest proportion of those subject to a stop and search, with 786 males and only 123 females recorded.

Mr Passmore highlighted that the stop and search tactic makes a contribution to combatting crime, especailly on the use of weapons and illegal drug trading.

East Anglian Daily Times: Suffolk's police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore.Suffolk's police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore. (Image: Newsquest)

“As Police and Crime Commissioner I monitor this police activity internally via our dip sampling carried out by my office and also by attending the Stop and Search Reference Group run by ISCRE and held in public every other month," he said.

“I welcome the vigorous discussions at these meetings as this makes a strong contribution for improving effectiveness, legitimacy and public confidence. 

"If mistakes are made these are taken seriously and management action taken immediately to rectify matters.”