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Police in the West Midlands have been using stop and search powers on primary school children, new figures have revealed.

Some 138 youngsters aged ten and under have been ordered to empty their pockets by police searching for drugs, weapons or stolen property in the last three years. And two of them were arrested as a result.

The statistics, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, have drawn condemnation from community campaigners, who warn that the crackdown could backfire, and make children LESS respectful.

Figures show that 35 primary age children were subject to stop and search by West Midlands Police in 2010/11. That number rose to 54 in 2011/2012 before dropping back to 43 last year.

And, according to the latest figures available, six primary schoolchildren were stopped and searched by officers between April 1 and August 31 this year.

The number of searches soars as children get older.

In the same period more than 23,000 teenagers under the age of 17 were stopped and searched. Of these 1,582 were arrested by West Midlands Police.

Under current rules police can search anyone they suspect of being in possession of weapons, drugs or stolen property.

West Midlands Police say there are no specific guidelines or additional legal requirements when stopping and searching children aged 10 or under.

If they stop a child, they can demand a search without first getting permission from the youngster’s parent or guardian.

Chief Superintendent Rick Burgess of West Midlands Police, said: “Stop and search powers are a vital tool in protecting people and reducing crime.

"Every year many offenders are identified as a result of them being stopped and searched, and others are persuaded not to commit illegal acts as a result of them knowing that they risk being caught.

“A well-explained and sensitively conducted stop and search can help demonstrate to communities that police are actively tackling crime in their neighbourhood.”