Hertfordshire police officers told a photographer he would could be sued thousands of pounds for taking pictures of his neighbour's garden.

Simon Richardson took pictures of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) employees who were working next door while he stood in the street.

Just hours later, Mr Richardson says he was visited by the police, who told him under privacy laws he could be sued thousands of pounds.

He was also warned that if the pictures were to later appear in a newspaper, the police would become “officially involved”.

The Defra staff were carrying out a cull of the monk parakeet, a breed of bird which escaped into Borehamwood in the 1990s.

Defra claims the South American bird poses a threat to crops and pylons, due to their large communal nests, but Mr Richardson opposes the action.

After the confrontation in May, Mr Richardson consulted a barrister who told him the police had no business telling him he could be sued, as this would be a civil and not criminal matter.

Neighbourhood Inspector Neil Morehen said: "The officers were called there to prevent a breach of the peace and whilst there gave advice to the householder about taking photos – there was no threat to be sued by the Constabulary.

"We're sorry for any confusion caused with Mr Richardson and I invite him to contact me should he wish to discuss this matter further."