Police use of controversial 'stop and search' powers soar

Scotland Yard said officers stopped 10,948 people in July - compared to a monthly average of 2,114 in 2006-7. This equates to more than 350 people being stopped and searched each day.

The figure for July is just 2,500 less than the number of individuals searched for the whole year of 2004-5 and has prompted fears that police are using the powers provided by the Terrorism Act too often.

Scroll down for more

The surge was partly prompted by the failed attempt to bomb the West End of London and Glasgow Airport at the end of June.

But Commander Rod Jarman, of the Metropolitan Police, warned that the increase would continue for the next few months and would be as equally prevalent in the suburbs as in the inner cities.

He said: "You may see an increase in overt counter terrorism activities by the police over the coming months. Terrorists live, work and blend in to our communities.

"They need information, accommodation, transport, communications, material and storage. Terrorists can come from any background and live anywhere. They are as likely to be seen in quiet suburban roads as they are in inner-city areas.

"To complement out more covert methods of fighting terrorism we must have a more visible presence to deter and prevent terrorist activity. In order to achieve this we need the support of the public.

"We ask for co-operation and patience while we carry out these important duties to help keep London safe.

"Terrorists have been thwarted, but as the appalling attacks of July 2005 and recent events demonstrate, we must assume that they will try again."

Mr Jarman added that the extra searches are not taking place as a result of any specific intelligence.

But he said court cases revealed other terrorist networks can be disrupted as they attempt to carry out surveillance, meet for planning and transport equipment.

Terror stop and searches provoked controversy when they were introduced because officers can stop any vehicle or person even if they are not suspected of a breach in the law.

Critics argue that they are open to abuse. They are also hugely unpopular with Muslims who claim they are unfairly targeted.

Britain's top anti-terror policeman, Andy Hayman, has also queried their effectiveness.

He said last year: "It's a power which is well intended, it's there to try to prevent, deter and disrupt terrorist activity. But we have to question the way we use a power that causes so much pain to the community we serve but results in so few arrests or charges.

"Is it worth it? It is very unlikely that a terrorist is going to be carrying bomb-making equipment around with them in the street.

Stop and searches under the Terrorism Act can only take place in designated areas and do not apply across the majority of the country.

These areas are often around high-profile terrorist targets such as iconic buildings and streets, as well as transport hubs and crowded areas.

The use of the powers has gradually increased since the introduction of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The total number of searches in the year ending April 2005 was 13,519 compared with 23,020 for 2005-6 and 25,374 for 2006-7.