Mark Pack

ITN film crew is stopped by police whilst filming in central London’s financial district, the City. So much, so usual as far as “police stop innocent, legitimate use of cameras” stories go.

But in a touch of genius, it turns out that the ITN crew was filming a story … about someone who had three cars and a van of anti-terrorism police descend on him after taking photos of a church near a bank. I hope this circularity isn’t making you dizzy.

Oh, and he was wearing an “I’m a photographer not a terrorist” badge, just to add to the fun. Truly, we are honoured to have a police force capable of such self-satire.

It’s been a busy little while for police and photographers, what with the photographer who is complaining the police detained him after he took photos of some posters, not to mention the BBC photographer stopped under anti-terrorism legislation for taking a photo of a sunset or the man stopped by the police for taking photographs of Christmas decorations in a town centre.

If you see the sun setting over Christmas decorations near a bank on your high street all I can say is: RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! THIS IS CLEARLY A MAJOR TERRORIST THREAT.

At least the person who was arrested after taking a photo of the police looks to have won their complaint.

Perhaps we should have a national photograph your police station day in the new year…

Hat tip: Photo Legal for several of the above stories