The first of four planned live facial recognition (LFR) operations has taken place in Chester city centre.

Operation Vigilant was carried out on Saturday 11 July with support from neighbourhood officers, the Sexual Offender Management Unit (SOMU), Project Servator officers and Greater Manchester Police's LFR team.

Police said the busy city centre provided an opportunity to use the technology to identify people wanted for serious offences and safeguard vulnerable individuals.

Officers also spoke with members of the public about how the system works, the privacy safeguards in place and how images are processed. Visitors were invited to watch the technology in use and ask questions.

During the operation, officers issued three Community Resolutions for Class A drug possession and seized an illegally used e-bike. Police also said there were no reports of anti-social behaviour within the deployment area.

A vulnerable woman was also reunited safely with friends after officers became concerned for her welfare. No arrest was made.

A second deployment is planned later this month. Cheshire Police says it is expected to be the first in the UK to use authorised watchlist images from neighbouring police forces, allowing officers to identify wanted people across force boundaries.

Detective Chief Inspector Robert Pritchard said: "Our aim under Operation Vigilant is to protect vulnerable people, safeguard those at risk and bring offenders to justice.

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"The use of Live Facial Recognition technology strengthens our ability to achieve those objectives and helps us prevent harm before it occurs.

"This deployment forms part of our ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and ensuring our communities remain safe places to live, work and visit.

"The positive outcomes from this operation demonstrate the value of combining innovative technology with visible policing and proactive safeguarding.

"We are committed to using technology responsibly, proportionately and transparently to help keep people safe.

"As we continue to develop our Live Facial Recognition capability and work with partners across the region, we will be even better equipped to identify offenders, protect vulnerable people and prevent crime."