Stop and search powers was authorised in parts of Merton and Wandsworth at the start of the week following a series of violent fights between gangs.

The controversial policing method, which authorises officers to stop and search people for weapons without evidence of any wrongdoing, was in place for 12 hours from 10.45pm on Monday.

It followed three fights in Tooting and Mitcham over the previous three days:

Police seized golf clubs, pieces of wood and a cricket bat believed to have been intended for use as weapons after approaching a large group of young people in Edgehill Road, near Figge's Marsh on Monday night.

The group fled after seeing the officers, and no arrests were made.

At least one person was arrested following a fight in Tooting High Street at about 1am on Sunday. It is not yet known if anyone was injured.

On Saturday, another large fight broke out at about 6.40pm in St James' Road, near Figge's Marsh. It is understood no arrests were made.

Chief police officers are allowed to authorise more junior officers to stop and search people who may be carrying weapons if they believe violence is likely to take place.

Stricter rules around stop and searches were introduced by the Home Secretary Theresa May in August after it was claimed the policing method was damaging relations between the public and the police.

Previously officers were allowed to enforce stop and search powers under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 if there was "no suspicion" of crime.

Now, a chief officer must believe it is "necessary" to authorise the power because violence "will" take place.

It is not yet known if any arrests were made in Mitcham or Tooting while the stop and search power was in place.

Do you want to see stop and searches in your area?

Comment below, or email louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk.