Police want free reign to stop and search during 2012

BRITISH police are pushing for the introduction of more severe anti-terror laws during the 2012 Olympics in London according to reports in The Times.

TERROR THREAT: British Police push for freedom to stop and search at railway and Underground train stations during London 2012

The terrorism threat level in Great Britain was raised from ‘substantial' to ‘severe'- the second highest level - in January and police have anticipated a raised threat during the Games.

The issue of terrorism at sporting events was sharply brought into view in January after the fatal gunfire attack on the Togo national football team in Angola on the eve of the African Cup of Nations.

Security fears led to England's withdrawal from the World Badminton Championships in Hyderabad last year as well as numerous high-profile withdrawal's from October's Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

And with the prevention of an attack in mind, British Transport Police's Olympic Security Co-ordinator Steve Thomas admitted they were eager to impose a law allowing the police to stop and search the public at railway or underground stations.

"If there is a severe level of threat we will be looking to use Section 44 at every Underground and railway station," said Thomas.