ABOUT 100 delegates attended a conference on Teesside, held in the wake of the report into the death of murdered black youth Stephen Lawrence.

Councillor Ken Walker, chairman of the Cleveland Police Authority, which organised yesterday's forum, said: "One of the important recommendations of the Lawrence Inquiry report related to the way in which records are kept of incidents where police stop, and on occasions, search members of the public.''

Mobeen Medhi, chairman of the Islamic Society of Teesside, has endorsed stop and search operations as long as they are "fair and just'', provided there is proper police training and a clearly defined purpose in stopping someone and making a search.

Coun Walker said: "The Home Secretary asked all authorities to consult their local communities on this issue and we are pleased that so many people have shown an interest.

"Of course, it has to be recognised that stop and search has been a major issue in some parts of the country - and certainly it is important that this kind of policing is conducted with proper respect for the rights of the individual.''