LANCASHIRE police have defended using anti-terror powers before arresting a man taking pictures in a town centre.

Police said they were justified in holding Bob Patefield for eight hours following concerns his actions may have been construed as 'anti-social or indecent’.

The amateur photographer from Colne, was taking snaps of crowds in fancy dress and Christmas festivities in Accrington town centre when officers told him they required his name under the Terrorism Act.

Mr Patefield, who videoed officers throughout a lengthy exchange, responded that he was entitled to keep his details private.

He was then monitored by officers, stopped on two further occasions and told his behaviour was ‘anti-social and suspicious’.

The encounter with officers began when a PCSO told Mr Patefield that because of the Terrorism Act they needed details of anyone taking pictures in the town.

He was told he was free to go after he declined to give his name.

Mr Patefield was then stopped a second time by an officer who said she was concerned he was taking pictures 'sneakily and behind his back'.

Mr Patefield repeatedly asked if he was being detained, before walking away.

He was then stopped as he walked to his car by an officer who said members of the public had been concerned.

He added that Mr Patefield was required to give his details or may be arrested for failing to do so.

On being arrested, Mr Patefield told officers he did not consent to be arrested but that he would not resist arrest.

Footage of his experience has since been posted online.

A police spokesperson urged Mr Patefield to come forward if he had a complaint, adding: “After refusing to give his details to the officers, they withdrew but monitored the situation and felt justified in approaching him again when he continued to use his camera in the same way.

"The constabulary does not routinely stop people taking photographs in a public place but the manner in which he was positioning his camera, and the way it was making some members of the public feel, could be construed as anti-social or indecent.

“The gentleman refused to co-operate on three occasions and so officers felt they had no choice but to make an arrest in order to make further inquiries into his actions."