Stop and search powers to be withdrawn.

An ACPOS spokesman said the powers, which were recently granted by the Home Office to forces in England, Wales and Scotland, would cease to be used by officers from July 28.

The controversial powers permit all police officers to stop and search any person or any vehicle and its passengers as well as items carried by a person or in a vehicle.

Speaking before the decision to withdraw the powers, ACPOS President Colin McKerracher said the powers were sought by police in response to the terror attacks in London and Glasgow.

However, commentators fear that the powers could alienate Muslim communities – the very communities who neighbourhood policing officers rely on for crucial terrorism intelligence. Speaking at a multi-faith policing conference recently, the chief constable of West Yorkshire Norman Bettison said he did not want the powers to be used in his force area.

IPCC chairman Nick Hardwick also questioned use of the powers. A Home Office spokesman refused to confirm that the powers were being withdrawn. The spokesman said that the Home Office could not comment on matters relating to operational policing matters, especially in light of the recent terrorist incidents and the fragile climate.