Sajid Javid

The move will enable officers to enforce a new offence of carrying corrosives in a public place, part of the Offensive Weapons Bill currently being considered by Parliament.

At present, police can only stop and search people they suspect of carrying acid with intent to cause injury.

The proposal to extend stop and search was widely supported during a public consultation that shows 90 per cent of respondents, including senior police officers, back the change.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Anyone who carries acid to maim and disfigure others is a coward who deserves to face the full force of the law.

“That is why we are giving police officers greater powers to help bring them to justice and protect the public from their sickening crimes – which can leave victims’ with life-changing injuries.

“The police are clear stop and search is one of the most important tools they have in the fight against serious violence - I will continue to give them the support they need to do their vital work.”

Deputy Chief Constable, Adrian Hanstock, stop and search lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “As with the range of stop and search powers currently available to police officers, chief constables will be keen to ensure that these powers are used correctly in a legitimate, proportionate and considerate way.”