Hundreds of residents near the G20 summit have been ordered to carry identification if they want to get into their own homes.

Locals living in the shadow of the Excel centre on Royal Victoria Docks were told to carry two forms of ID, including a photo card to navigate road blocks.

Scotland Yard said they "regretted" the measures but called them necessary to ensure public safety. Three DLR stations have also been closed.

The Metropolitan Police faces a testing few days as it tries to avoid major confrontations and scenes similar to Seattle and Genoa.

Legal authority?

A row has also broken out over the Met's legal authority to impose the security measure.

Shami Chakrabarti, director of human rights group Liberty, said police don't have the legal authority to require people to carry ID papers.

The restrictions were posted on Newham council's website and flyers sent out in the mail. Residents are asked to carry ID: "to gain entry through security cordons".

Scotland Yard defended the decision, saying:

"Naturally we regret any inconvenience caused and we will try to minimise the disruption to residents. This is not any ordinary conference - half of the world's leaders are coming to London so we have to take precautions."

A Newham council spokeswoman said:

"We are working closely with the police to ensure residents and businesses do not suffer."