Searches to target ethnic groups.

People from certain ethnic groups are more likely to be stopped and searched on London transport after the bombings, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

A force spokesman said communities were not being singled out, but police have to “target the people we think may be involved” in bomb attacks. The policy has been supported by Home Office minister Hazel Blears.

But Civil rights group Liberty said the move would lead to bombers using people who do not fit the usual profile.

Ms Blears said officers would be acting on descriptions from intelligence sources. She told BBC News: “That’s absolutely the right thing for the police to do. What it means is if your intelligence in a particular area tells you that you’re looking for somebody of a particular description, perhaps with particular clothing on, then clearly you’re going to exercise that power in that way.”

She said it was important people were kept informed and those who were stopped were given an explanation. “I think most ordinary decent people will entirely accept that in terms of their own safety and security,” she added.