Following the terrorist attacks across London, Surrey Police has been granted extensive stop and search powers under the Terrorism Act.

Officers have been told that they do not have to give any grounds for suspicion when conducting searches where a terrorist threat exists.

Tim Morris, Surrey Police spokesman, told the Life police are targeting railway stations and airports across the county and the presence of police has increased. It has been done to reassure people, respond to information about suspect packages and to any other concerns people may have.

Mr Morris said that since new powers had been introduced there had been a significant rise in the number of people stopped by police.

Surrey Police said it has always treated any form of hate crime as a serious offence.

Mr Morris added: "The vast majority of people are very happy that we are carrying out such searches. We have heard from both minority and non-minority communities that they are very glad."