Police defend Heathrow search powers

Police are defending the use of anti-terrorism powers to search protesters at Heathrow as a major demonstration officially gets under way.

Hundreds more people are set to join those already in place on private land near the London airport. Around 2,000 people from across the UK and other parts of Europe are expected to eventually join the protest at its peak this weekend.

There are fears that illegal protests may disrupt thousands of airport passengers after demonstrators claimed a limited anti-protest injunction won by BAA in advance of the camp has backfired, raising the event's profile.

Up to 1,800 officers from four forces will be on duty over the coming days. Police have already been accused of "flexing their muscles" after an unannounced visit by up to 25 officers at the site on Monday.

Police stirred controversy by saying they will use anti-terror laws, including powers to stop and search without reason, to manage the protest.

Campaigner Leila Harris said illegal protests could not be ruled out, but insisted the safety of passengers would not be jeopardised.

"It will be an action that is agreed upon by consensus of all those at the camp. We have ruled out going on the runways or anywhere near the planes. That's for our safety, the safety of passengers and for everyone else."

A Downing Street spokesman said: "People do have a right to protest in this country but the Government believes action that would disrupt the running of Heathrow would be unacceptable."

Simon Baugh, of BAA, said security teams are "prepared for any circumstances in which the protesters take direct action".

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