'We will prosecute ' operation launched to cut down on illegal car meets and cruises

Extra officers are being deployed as part of Operation Marshall and police are warning those found to be driving dangerously will be prosecuted.

The operation launch comes just days after The Bolton News reported that police have new powers to seize cars without warning on a retail park, where there have been illegal car meets and dangerous driving.

Police say the operation is designed to keep the region's roads safe from the risk posed by car meets/ cruises.

In 2018 Sophie Louise Smith (pictured) was killed after a vehicle at an illegal car cruise struck a group of people in Europa Way, Trafford Park.

The 19-year-old, from Radcliffe, was taken to hospital along with six others but she died the following day.

Sophie worked as a barista at the Costa drive-thru in Lower Bridgeman Street.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "Meets/ cruises are not professionally managed events and can put the lives of attendees and road users at risk.

"Operation Marshall deploys extra officers to patrol the region's roads and prosecute anyone found to be driving dangerously, carelessly or otherwise in accordance with the law. Officers also work with insurers to identify breaches of policy and seize any vehicles found to be uninsured.

"Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999."

Parsonage Retail Park in Leigh has had problems with off-road motorbiking, dangerous driving and illegal car meet events.