Tuesday, August 2 2005 18:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: As a sequel to the serial London bombings, police have put into practice an intensified stop-and-search policy under which mostly Asians in the age group of 18 to 30, carrying rucksacks, are targetted.

Ian Johnston, Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, today (Aug 2, 2005) admitted, "Police targetted men of Asian appearance aged 18 to 30."

Johnston, who was supported by Home Office Minister Hazel Blears, said that police should not waste time searching "old white ladies".

"Intelligence-led stop and searches has got to be the way," he said. "We should not bottle out over this... there is every sign that the Muslim community understands the predicament we face."

Police officers said they had stopped and searched a disproportionately large number of young Asian men in Liverpool Street and King's Cross stations in London.

One of those stopped at Liverpool Street was Arif Mahmud, 22, a waiter of Bangladeshi-origin. A community support officer spent 10 minutes checking his rucksack and suitcase and had also asked for identification.

The guidelines, which will also target black men and those of East African appearances, were attacked by civil rights groups and Muslim organisations.

Shami Chakrabarti, Director of the civil right group Liberty, said, "If you search people of a particular race or description, it does not take long for terrorists to learn ways to placing their lethal cargo with those who do not meet the profile."

The Muslim Council of Britain said, "While it is understandable that the police need to undertake every step to thwart would-be bombers, it is crucial that they do not unnecessarily alienate and stigmatise an entire segment of society."