An AP reader incensed at police treatment of a photographer in Hull city centre has used the Freedom of Information Act to force police to give him the details of the plain-clothes officers involved.

In December 2007 police seized films from photo enthusiast Steve Carroll, accusing him of obtaining photographs of ‘sensitive buildings’. Carroll told the officers he was entitled to take pictures in a public place.

Keen to pursue the case, David Murray from Chesterfield in Derbyshire asked Humberside Police to reveal details of the officers who had stopped Carroll. But the force refused on grounds of data protection.

Earlier this month police acceded to Murray’s request, confirming in writing the officers’ names, ranks and collar numbers.