Roaming CCTV cameras - similar to those used by the British Army in combat zones - are being introduced on Hampstead Heath by the Heath Constabulary after a spate of muggings.

But civil liberties and gay rights groups have protested against the cameras over fears they could spy on men who use the heath for sexual encounters.

Lou Hart, director of Camden's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender forum, said: "On the one hand, there have been violent robberies on the West Heath so cameras might help ... But on the other hand, quite a few men who go up there for sex with other men do not refer to themselves as gay. They might see this as dangerous in terms of their confidentiality and it may put them off going to the Heath."

A spokeswoman from civil rights group, Liberty, added: "CCTV is not a magic bullet in cutting crime - studies have shown that regular, consistent police patrolling and good street lighting are more effective."

But police officers implementing the scheme said it is only intended to clampdown on criminals.

Heath Constabulary manager, Richard Gentry, said: "The cameras will be signposted so that people know they might be on film.

"We can use lampposts, a trailer or a telescopic pole. And because it uses 3G technology, you can view the live images from anywhere in the world."

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