Police no longer need to have reasonable grounds to stop and search people at the climate camp - and the extended powers apply to the whole of the Hoo peninsula.

The command team says the decision has been taken because police are still finding people who are carrying items that could be used as weapons.

There is also heightened tension with a hardcore group of people understood to be intent on criminal activity.

The extended powers – under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act – mean anyone, including visitors to the peninsula, or residents, are subject to a stop and search if requested by a police officer.

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Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: "Kent Police has held back from extending stop and search powers since the climate camp protestors arrived - but we now feel it necessary to put an order in place that covers the whole of the Hoo peninsula.

"So far we have arrested three people for possessing bladed instruments. We're also finding people who are carrying items that could be used as weapons.

"We want local people to feel safe in the knowledge that we are seizing these items. We have a duty to keep local residents, protestors and our officers safe."

ACC Beautridge added that Kent Police will continue to allow peaceful protest and endeavour to keep disruption for local people to a minimum.

Kent Police claim around 30 protestors who left the camp on Wednesday told them they were going home because they didn't want to have any association with a minority of people who are intent on criminal activity and militant action.

What is Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994?