Children as young as FOUR being stopped and searched by police in Sheffield and South Yorkshire

Figures released under the Freedom of Information act reveal no fewer than 1081 under-16s in the county were stopped and searched by police in 2019.

The youngest crime suspect was just four years old.

Two five-year-olds and a six-year-old were also searched under the controversial tactic, which is permissible by law. In total, 11 children under the age of ten were detained, stopped and searched by police last year.

Police have the power to stop and search anyone if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect they are carrying illegal drugs, a weapon, stolen property or something which could be used to commit a crime.

However, just five per cent of South Yorkshire Police’s stop and searches on under-16s in 2019 were successful in terms of resulting in an arrest.

Fifty-four children were arrested following stop and searches, with the youngest being 11 years old. The vast majority of under-16s arrested – 44 per cent and 35 per cent respectively – were aged 14 and 15. The likelihood of being arrested generally increased with age, with the exception of 15-year-olds.

The total number of stop and searches on under-16s also rose by a whopping 339 per cent from 2018, even after accounting for the fact that 2018 data only covers April until December as Police say they do not have detailed records before this date. There were also three times as many arrests of children in 2019 compared to the previous year.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Stop and search is a crucial policing tactic that enables us to protect and serve the public of South Yorkshire, by preventing and reducing violent crime, and removing drugs and weapons form our streets.

“There are occasions when young people, either subject of child criminal exploitation or used by older people to hide drugs, can be lawfully searched. This is done in a measured, proportionate and considerate manner if it has to be done.”