BRITAIN’S top cop admits PCs are too scared to stop and search suspects, despite an eight-year high in knife crime that has seen London overtake New York for murders.

Cressida Dick said officers feared breaching rules on harassing ethnic minorities.

2 Met chief Cressida Dick said cops are fearful of complaints on breaching ethnic minority harassment rules Credit: PA:Press Association

The Met chief said: “Cops probably did lose confidence. They were fearful they might get into trouble or might not be supported if they had a complaint.”

So far this year fifteen people have been murdered in the capital, compared to 14 in New York.

MP Sir Mike Penning, an ex-police minister, says cops fear ruining their careers if they break frisking rules.

He writes in The Sun on Sunday today: “How many more need to die before we free our police to tackle this menace?”

2 The admission from the Metropolitan Police chief comes amid a knife crime epidemic Credit: Getty Images - Getty

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Sir Mike says it is no coincidence knifings are up as spot checks have fallen.

He adds: “Officers tell me that unless they see a weapon, they won’t consider stopping a suspect. This is bonkers.”

Blades killed 215 in England and Wales in the past year and crimes top 100 a day.

Ms Dick hinted at a rise in checks.

She said: “Victims’ parents all say, ‘Get out and do more’.

“So it’s one thing you’ll see in the next year. We won’t be held back by political correctness. But it will be fair and irrespective of race.”

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