THE council is investigating claims that two boys were unlawfully held and questioned by parks constables outside the boundaries of Newham.

If true, the incident will do further damage to the reputation of the division, which was condemned as badly trained and poorly run by an independent inquiry last year.

The report by solicitor Amanda Kelly found the service was riddled with unproven allegations of abuses of power, corruption, racism and bullying.

Despite having powers of arrest inside parks, the constabulary have the same authority as members of the public on the streets and are not permitted to patrol outside Newham.

Kwaljit Singh, 17, of Campbell Road, East Ham, told the Guardian that he was attempting to cross Aldersbrook Road in Wanstead when a van carrying up to six officers blocked his passage.

He admitted that he shouted at the van, which then stopped and reversed. He said he panicked and fled, but was pursued by the constables who caught up with him.

He was then joined by his friend Sahmi Mohammed, 14, of Whitear Walk, Stratford, and the two were ordered into the back of the van.

According to an official log seen by the Guardian, when constables noticed Sahmi was wearing a tag the police were called and asked if there was any reason why he should be detained.

A police officer refused to give the constables any information and they were forced to release the two.

Kwaljit said: I admit I did shout at the van and panicked a bit, but they were intimidating and calling me names. I knew straight away who they are because they often stop me and my friends, but the did not identify themselves and tell me what my rights were.

The log records the incident as taking place "out of borough" and involved an anti-social behaviour category listed as "shouting/swearing".

A council spokesman said: "We have been made aware of an alleged incident in Aldersbrook Road and are investigating the matter."