POLICE will use special stop and search powers on Sunday to try to stop violence breaking out in the streets around Harrow Central Mosque.

A section 60 order has been approved, giving police the power to stop and search anyone in the Wealdstone area without having a specific reason.

The powers have been authorised as two groups of protesters prepare to demonstrate outside the mosque, in Station Road, on Sunday afternoon.

Stop the Islamisation of Europe (SIOE) is planning a rally outside the mosque, which it claims is being used as a staging post for jihadists.

However, they are due to be countered by members of Unite Against Fascism (UAF), who have accused SIOE of being a racist and fascist organisation.

The last time these two group came to Harrow, on September 11, police seized weapons including bleach, a knuckle duster, and knives, and made ten arrests. Officers also had to content with violent scuffles and coming under attack themselves from members of the UAF protest.

Community and religious leaders in Harrow, and Home Secretary Alan Johnson, have all urged people to stay away from the mosque on Sunday, but it is not clear how many people will listen to this message.

The Met's public order teams will be on stand by to deal with any presence, and a large police presence is expected on the day.