METRO | Jan. 29, 2007

The Government is considering installing X-ray cameras on lampposts to spot armed terrorists and other criminals, it has been reported.

According to a leaked memo “detection of weapons and explosives will become easier” if the scheme drawn up by Home Office officials is adopted.

However, officials acknowledged that it would be highly controversial as the cameras can “see” through clothing.

“The social acceptability of routine intrusive detection measures and the operational response required in the event of an alarm are likely to be limiting factors,” the memo warned.

“Privacy is an issue because the machines see through clothing.”

The Sun reported that the memo, dated January 17, was drawn up by the Home Office for the Prime Minister’s working group on security crime and justice.

It noted that some technologies used for airport security had already been used in police operations searching for drugs and weapons in nightclubs.

“These and other could be developed for a much more widespread use in public places,” it said. “Street furniture could routinely house detection systems that would indicate the likely presence of a gun for example.”

A Home Office spokeswoman said: “We don’t comment on leaked documents”.