THE Met Police's use of terrorism laws to randomly stop and search people without prior suspicion in places such as Redbridge and Waltham Forest was illegal, the European Court of Human Rights has said.

In a landmark ruling today, the court said the powers were too widespread and breached the public's right to privacy.

There was controversy in Redbridge in May 2008 when school children were stopped using the powers by PCSOs near Wanstead tube station.

But in a statement, the Met said it would continue to use the powers.

A spokesman said: "As a result of the government decision to seek to appeal the ruling and following legal advice, the current authorisation to use Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 remains in force."

He added that the act "remains an important tactic in our counter terrorism strategy."

He said: "The threat remains real and serious, and stop and search can deter and disrupt terrorist activity and create a hostile environment for terrorists. Protecting the public remains our priority.

"However, in order to ensure that the use of Section 44 is as operationally effective as possible, and recognising the sensitivity and concerns about its use, use of the power has been subject to regular analysis and evaluation by the MPS."

Corinna Ferguson, the legal officer for campaign group Liberty, which brought the court action, said: “Liberty has consistently warned the Government about the dangers of stop and search without suspicion and actively campaigned for the tightening up of the infamous section 44 power.

"The public, police and Court of Human Rights all share our concerns for privacy, protest, race equality and community solidarity that come with this sloppy law. In the coming weeks, Parliamentarians must finally sort out this mess.”

Have you been stopped and searched under terrorism legislation? Contact reporter Daniel Binns at dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk or on 0779 547 6625