Lewisham's Labour Party branch has expressed concerns over the use of "disproportionate" police orders in the borough, which grant additional stop and search powers.

A Section 60 order was issued across Evelyn, New Cross, Surrey Docks & Greenwich West from 12pm on May 29 to 3am on May 30, allowing police to stop and search anyone without reasonable grounds.

In a letter addressed to the Mayor of Lewisham and the borough's three MPs, constituency chair Jovan Nepaul asked why the section 60 was authorised, what is being done to reassure BAME communities and whether officers misusing powers are disciplined.

Referring to two recent incidents, the letter reads: "These stop and searches are clearly an overreach, representing unmotivated uses and misapplication of police powers.

"I am sure you will agree with me that Section 60 represents an antagonistic and subtly racialised method of contemporary policing."

The letter refers to a recent incident in Deptford, where an off-duty ambulance driver was handcuffed and searched for drugs, leading to accusations of racism.

Footage emerged of a white female officer approaching a man in the courtyard of Gilbert House on May 21, asking him what he is doing, to which he replies "just chilling, getting some fresh air."

Claiming to have 'intel' about drug dealing in the area and that she does not believe his reasons for being there, she informs him he is being detained for a drugs search, quickly grabbing and handcuffing his arm.

Police in the borough have come under further fire after footage emerged showing a black woman shouting "I can't breathe" while pinned to the ground by six police officers.

The woman, named as Kamyimsola Olatunjoye, 28, of Alleford Road, was charged with obstructing a drugs search.

Vicky Foxtrot, MP for Lewisham Deptford, says she has has contacted the borough's other MPs, who are "working closely together on this and are seeking an urgent meeting with the new Borough Commander."