Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Stop and searches of British Asians 1.4 times higher than those of white groups, data shows

Cumbria had the highest overall rate of stop and search of individuals from an Asian background

Stop and searches of British Asians 1.4 times higher than those of white groups, data shows

STOP and searches of British Asians by police in England and Wales were 1.4 times higher than those from a white group for the year ending March 2023, figures show.

In England and Wales, there were eight stop and searches of individuals from an Asian background per 1,000 population during the period, according to Home Office statistics.


Cumbria had the highest overall rate of stop and search of individuals from an Asian background at 23 stop and searches per 1,000 population, followed by Merseyside (15 per 1,000 population).

The lowest overall rate of stop and search of individuals from an Asian background was by Wiltshire (1.4 per 1,000 population).

The data also revealed that black people were 5.5 times more likely than white people to be stopped and searched last year. It is a fall from 2021-22, when black people were 6.2 times as likely to be searched.

People identifying as mixed were searched at a rate 1.7 times higher than white people, and people from other ethnic groups 1.3 times higher.

The data further stated that almost one-quarter (23 per cent) of searches of black and Asian people for firearms resulted in an arrest, a higher proportion compared to all other groups.

According to the report, one in five stop and searches last year were carried out on children.

Just over 107,800 were on those aged under 18, including 64 searches on children under, meaning searches on under-18s made up 20 per cent of last year's total. That is up from 18 per cent the year before and 17 per cent in 2020-21.

Males aged 15 to 19 had the highest rate of stop and search, at 71 stop and searches per 1,000 population in the year ending March 2023.

Males aged 15 to 34 from ethnic minorities (excluding white minorities) made up 26 per cent of stop and search in the year ending March 2023, despite only being 2.8 per cent of the population.

The highest rate of stop and search was for males aged 15 to 19 from ethnic minorities, who were searched at a rate of 111 per 1,000 people—twice as high as that of white people in the same age group.

The report claimed that there was a decrease in the number of searches of people who self-defined as black British or British Asian.

The number of searches of people who self-defined as black decreased by 6,409 (10 per cent) from 65,452 to 59,043. The number of searches of people who self-defined as Asian decreased by 2,267 (5 per cent) from 48,901 to 46,634.

The Metropolitan Police continued to account for a large proportion of all stop and searches conducted (32 per cent) during the period.

According to the report, the Met had the highest number and proportion of searches using force, followed by Thames Valley Police, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

Police in England and Wales conducted a total of 547,003 stop and searches, which represents a three percent increase compared to the previous year (an increase of 16,033 from 530,970).

The number of arrests following searches under all legislation increased by 7,019 (up 10 per cent to 74,097) in the year ending March 2023.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less