Young black Londoners 'four times more likely' to be stopped and searched during lockdown

Young black Londoners were four times more likely than white men to be stopped and searched by police during lockdown, it was revealed today.

Scotland Yard said stop and search significantly increased during April and May because because stay-at-home rules made 'suspicious activity in public places more visible'.

Fewer 999 calls during lockdown also meant more officers were available to tackle drugs and violence.

More than 43,000 people were stopped in London in May compared to 21,000 in 2019.

City Hall said analysis of the figures showed black people were 4.2 times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people.

A spokesperson underlined mayor Sadiq Khan's backing for the controversial tactic so long as it was based on intelligence and carried out with respect.