ST HELENS North MP Conor McGinn has given his backing to the police force's use of 'stop and search' powers in the fight against crime.

The Labour MP spoke in the House of Commons this week about the issue, which has attracted controversy.

Stop and search tactics have received criticism in some quarters over claims of disproportionate targeting of black and other ethnic minority groups.

This week in the House of Commons, the Home Office Minister for Police and Fire Services Nick Hurd answered questions about ‘stop and search’ powers used by the police.

In September police chiefs in Merseyside came out to support the use of the tactic, calling it one of the "most powerful tools" at the force's disposal to tackle crime.

Mr McGinn said: "I understand the sensitivities around the use of this power particularly in some communities in London.

"But as I pointed out to the Minister, both the Chief Constable and the Police Commissioner in Merseyside have told me that it is a vital tool to help combat serious crime including gun crime, acid attacks and, importantly for our community in St Helens, the scourge of knife crime.

"I will continue to support Merseyside Police’s use of stop and search. At a time when the thin blue line is being stretched to the limit - with the number of police officers and resources so drastically reduced in our region - the police need the support of our community to prevent crime, apprehend criminals and keep the public safe."

In Parliament on Monday, November 12, Mr McGinn said: "I am not being flippant when I say that people with my accent understand sensitivities relating to the use of police powers, but our chief constable and police and crime commissioner on Merseyside tell me that stop and search is a vital tool to combat serious crime.

"Its use by police officers has increased on Merseyside. Does the Minister agree that if it is intelligence-led, community-focused and proportionate, it should be encouraged, not least to combat knife crime in places such as St Helens?"

Mr Hurd replied: "I do, and the Hon. Gentleman is echoing exactly the argument I have made at this Despatch Box.

"Stop and search is a vital tool and we want to see it used; we continue to want to see it used lawfully, in a targeted, intelligence-led way, but we want to see it used."