A controversial anti-terrorism law which allowed police officers to stop and search photographers taking pictures in public has just been suspended.

Home Secretary Theresa May told the House of Commons Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 could no longer be used to stop and search individuals.

It can also now only be used to search vehicles, and where it is "necessary" rather than "expedient" for the prevention of terrorism.

Officers who want to use the Act to stop and search individuals will have to use section 43 which says officers have to have a "reasonable suspicion" that someone is a terrorist.

She said: "We have always been clear in our concerns about these powers and they will be included as part of our review of counter-terrorism legislation.

"I can therefore tell the House that I will not allow the continued use of Section 44 in contravention of the European Court's ruling and, more importantly, in contravention of our civil liberties."

The European ruling she referred to concerned Kevin Gillan and Pennie Quinton, who were on their way to an arms trade show in the London Docklands in 2003.

In January this year, the European Court ruled their rights had been violated under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Andrew White, 33, from Kemp Town, Brighton, became one of the most high-profile photographers stopped under Section 44 when two Police Community Support Officers stopped him after he took snaps of the decorations in Burgess Hill town centre.