A police chief has defended a force's stop and search policy after a report found that ethnic minorities were more likely to be targeted.

Data on stop and searches carried out between December last year and April was presented to the Greater Manchester Police Authority at a meeting this month.

It found that 34,036 people were stopped and searched during that period within Greater Manchester and minority ethnic people were twice as likely to be stopped as whites.

Speaking at the meeting, Assistant Chief Constable Alan Green said his officers would continue to target people believed to be involved in crime. He said according to the national average, ethnic minorities were eight times more likely to be searched than whites.

Mr Green said, "Stop and search is a powerful tool, especially if used with intelligence-led policing.

"This report showed we are targeting the right people. It is a legitimate tactic and I am happy to justify our use of it.

"If people want us to police, if they want us to stop and search people involved in criminal activity, then they have to support us. I believe the majority of the public do." ACC Green said GMP would continue to monitor the stop and searches to check officers were carrying them out for the right reason.

Members of the police authority unanimously gave their backing to the Assistant Chief Constable and agreed there was no evidence of racial discrimination.

During the last six months, one person complained about being stopped and searched in the area.

National research earlier this year from the Police Complaints Authority said black people lodged four out of 10 complaints about stop and search powers although they make up just one in 50 of the UK population.

Of complaints received by the PCA, 44% alleged they had been assaulted by officers during a stop and search. A further 25% alleged racism.