Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were deployed to Stockport railway station recently in an effort to tackle criminality on the rail network.

The operation led to 14 stop and searches and several drug detections.

It comes as part of 'Operation Vulcan', a period of intensified police activity and investigation in Brinnington and Stockport town centre launched by GMP.

Officers from Operation Vulcan joined British Transport Police, rail staff and representatives from Transport for Greater Manchester at the railway station for a day of action focused on safeguarding the transport network and disrupting the movement of drugs and weapons.

The 14 stop-searches were based on reasonable suspicion, and resulted in five positive detections for Class A and Class B drugs.

Those found in possession of drugs received out of court disposals, while one person was issued with a court summons. Rail officials also handed out fines for fare evasion.

Inspector Dan Cullum from GMP's Operation Vulcan team said: "In this instance, by working closely with colleagues from British Transport Police, Northern Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester, we were able to take a coordinated approach to tackling criminality on the rail network while also providing visible reassurance to the law abiding public.

"The Vulcan partnership does not just involve police – it includes teams and people from across different organisations, groups, charities and more, who all come together to enhance the output and provide further sustainability for the Brinnington area."

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Police said the increased high-visibility patrols are aimed at providing reassurance for passengers and the wider community, with officers and transport staff available to offer advice and support.

"These types of operations demonstrate how effective collaboration can be in keeping people safe, reducing crime and maintaining public confidence in our transport system", Inspector Cullum added.

"The positive feedback received from members of the public reinforces just how valuable this partnership approach is."

Since deploying to Brinnington nearly three months ago, Operation Vulcan officers have recovered thousands of pounds worth of drugs, seized multiple vehicles and made more than 70 arrests.