KENT Police officers now have extra powers to stop and search people and vehicles for items that could be used in connection with terrorism.

The force requested the powers, under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act, because of concerns that another terrorist cell could be operating in the UK after the London bombings on July 7.

The powers, granted on Friday by the Home Secretary Charles Clarke, go beyond those available under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, in that officers do not need to give grounds for suspicion for conducting the search.

Assistant chief constable Dave Ainsworth said: "These are exceptional powers for exceptional circumstances. They will be used if someone reacts or behaves in a way that questions why they are doing what they are doing where they are, only when officers do not have the power to stop them under existing legislation.

"The powers will not be used simply because of someone’s race or religion. Terrorists can come from any group or background and acts of terrorism like the one in London affect the whole community.

"We have already explained the new powers to representatives of minority ethnic communities and faith groups in Kent, who have been very supportive of our approach.

"We have assured them that we will maintain our standards of behaviour, explained in the Kent Police Standard, at all times.

"We have also made them aware of our work to deal with hate crimes against people and property, which they know we will investigate robustly.

"Our community liaison officers are working closely with a range of minority groups."

Individuals and groups within the community are being encouraged to report any incidents of racism, harassment, assault or damage to property to Kent Police, by calling 999 if the situation is an emergency, or 01622 690690 or their local police station number for less urgent calls.