'Stop & search to be used often as possible'

Anybody walking along the street could be targeted by anti-terrorism patrols, in a bid to assist the Met's political campaign to keep its legal powers intact, it was revealed today.

A secret memo highlights the fears of senior officers that their controversial powers to fight terrorism will be reduced unless they can prove that the ability to stop pedestrians is regularly used. Officers patrolling Westminster-have been told that if they use the law to stop and search more pedestrians they will be supporting "future applications for its continuance".

They have also been given advice about how to proceed when stopping black people.

The memo says there is no specific intelligence justificationfor stopping black people on suspicion of terrorism, but goes on to suggest ways officers might make such stops.

The memo was written by Chief Superintendent Dean Ingledew, Westminster's borough commander, and was sent to senior officers responsible for briefing police sergeants and constables. He writes: "Please encourage officers to use this power to support future applicationsfor its continuance." Solicitor Sadiq Khan, a human rights expert, said: "This confirms the suspicion that many of my clients have, namely that the police use whatever means they can to stop and search them unfairly."

A Met Police spokeswoman said: "The information was distributed to ensure that all officers are fully briefed and aware of what powers they can use."