Green MEP Caroline Lucas is calling for immediate action by Kent Police to resolve the "serious" and "escalating" situation at the Camp for Climate Action.

The MEP for the south east region is one of number of politicians who have written to Kent police stressing that the growing friction has been caused by a “disproportionate police response” to the protesters.

The letter, addressed to Assistant Chief Constable Allyn Thomas, head of specialist operations, expresses concern over the extension of police stop and search powers, in particular people being restricted from observing searches on individuals.

It comes after the police announcement that they no longer need reasonable grounds to stop and search people because they keep finding people carrying items that could be used for weapons.

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The politicians fear an aggressive police response will fuel the “continued alienation” between the police and the public.

The letter states:"Climate change must be a wholly legitimate subject of protest and demonstration.

“But if it is met by an arbitrary, destructive and aggressive police response, the consequences will undoubtedly be a continued alienation between police and many decent, law abiding people, particularly the young.

“We would ask you as a matter of urgency to take personal, immediate and direct action to resolve an increasingly threatening confrontation.”

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The extended powers – under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act – mean anyone, including visitors to the peninsula, or residents, are subject to a stop and search if requested by a police officer.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: "Kent Police has held back from extending stop and search powers since the climate camp protestors arrived, but we now feel it necessary to put an order in place that covers the whole of the Hoo peninsula.

"So far we have arrested three people for possessing bladed instruments. We're also finding people who are carrying items that could be used as weapons.

"We want local people to feel safe in the knowledge that we are seizing these items. We have a duty to keep local residents, protestors and our officers safe."

He added that Kent Police will continue to allow peaceful protest and endeavour to keep disruption for local people to a minimum.

What Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 means