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Police chiefs in north Manchester have appointed two officers to target gangs of youths - one of the most common causes of complaint in the area.

In known trouble spots police officers can also be granted short-term powers to stop and search any one in an identified area within a 24-hour period in a tough crackdown on theft and drug abuse.

The two officers have been taken off normal duties at weekends leaving only a small number of officers to deal with the more serious offences such as robbery and violence.

Supt Simon Garvey, who has just joined the north Manchester division from central Manchester, believes the decision is fully justified to give the majority of residents better quality of life.

He said: "At peak times, youths causing annoyance is one of the things normally left until we have dealt with the more serious stuff.

"It means by the time we get there, the gangs have moved on. To the people who have to put up with this nuisance, it is a serious matter that affects their quality of life."

The two officers will be dedicated to nuisance youths from 6pm between Thursday and Sunday when they will respond to complaints and patrol known trouble spots.

Supt Garvey added: "We have the powers to stop and search and have used these powers to great effect and will continue to do so."