Specialist police officers have begun searching in and around the Labour Party conference venues.

The announcement comes as Sussex Police introduces a daily increase of visible teams around the Brighton Centre, Grand Hotel and Brighton Hilton Metropole.

About 1,000 police officers have been deployed for the security operation, codenamed Operation Otter, which will cost the Home Office £5.7 million.

A “security bubble”, encircling the Brighton Centre, Grand Hotel, Brighton Hilton Metropole and the Russell Road NCP car park, will become effective from 8pm on September 24.

Pedestrians and drivers will face diversions when a temporary bridge is built linking the two seafront hotels on September 17.

Anti-vehicle barriers will be installed outside the Brighton Centre in the week before the conference, which runs from September 27 until October 1.

More barriers will be installed in Russell Road, Cannon Place, Russell Square, Russell Mews, Clarence Square and St Margaret’s Place.

Armed police will check every vehicle being driven into the heart of the city during the conference.

Superintendent Grenville Wilson, of Sussex Police, said: “All the measures being deployed are intended to create a security 'bubble' around the conference itself, while also offering an enhanced level of security and reassurance across the rest of the city.

“The community can play their part by being tolerant of the policing operation and the slight inconveniences it will undoubtedly cause individuals, while also becoming the eyes and ears for the police.”

To keep up-to-date with the police planning preparations visit www.sussex.police.uk/otter2009.

To receive regular updates visit twitter.com/operation_otter.