Operation catches truants out

About 2,000 children were questioned over five days

An operation to cut truancy in Greater Manchester found more than 400 pupils skipping school over five days.

Police and education officials questioned about 2,000 children - and found more than 400 of them were playing truant.

Greater Manchester Police says pupils who play truant are more likely to become victims of street crime or get involved in anti-social behaviour.

The anti-truancy initiative was carried out for five days in December.

Teams patrolled the streets of Greater Manchester questioning all school-age children outside school.

Those without a valid excuse were taken back to their schools, and their parents were informed.