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Has Michael McIntyre just became the unwitting focal point of a privacy row? Has Michael McIntyre just became the unwitting subject of a privacy row?
(35 minutes later)
The comedian Michael McIntyre may just have become the unwitting focal point of a privacy row after the Metropolitan Police appeared to tweet a photo of him in the street. The comedian Michael McIntyre may just have become the unwitting subject of a privacy row after the Metropolitan Police appeared to tweet a photo of him in the street.
The tweet, posted by the Met's Twitter feed for its helicopters, asked followers to guess which "energetic funny man" they had spotted in London.The tweet, posted by the Met's Twitter feed for its helicopters, asked followers to guess which "energetic funny man" they had spotted in London.
Whilst on tasking in central London this morning we spotted a certain energetic funny man... Can you guess who?... pic.twitter.com/k1pgKjVBrQWhilst on tasking in central London this morning we spotted a certain energetic funny man... Can you guess who?... pic.twitter.com/k1pgKjVBrQ
It prompted a less than enthusiastic response - with some tweeters objecting that the comedian's privacy had been invaded or at least that the tweet was "creepy".It prompted a less than enthusiastic response - with some tweeters objecting that the comedian's privacy had been invaded or at least that the tweet was "creepy".
Because the comedian - if it was him - was in a public place, there's no suggestion that the filming broke any laws. A spokesperson for McIntyre said the whole thing was ridiculous, telling The Independent “They should be spending their time more wisely.”
But some users questioned whether the police should have been using their helicopters and cameras in this way. Users are questioning whether the police should have been using their helicopters and cameras in this way.
@NPASLondon you guys must love privacy! Aiming at a celeb is no excuse.
@NPASLondon Not acceptable. National Police Air Service, too trivial & abuse of privileged access to images. How about the Queen gardening?
Rob Wilton tweeted: "Did you seek the individual's consent? Or is this an abuse of your considerable surveillance powers?"Rob Wilton tweeted: "Did you seek the individual's consent? Or is this an abuse of your considerable surveillance powers?"
The photo was at least "kinda creepy", as one user put it.The photo was at least "kinda creepy", as one user put it.
 
@NPASLondon Wow. That's kinda creepy@NPASLondon Wow. That's kinda creepy
@NPASLondon Very creepy. Stalkers. Big Brovah, always watching you.
Rosie R added: "Wonder how Mr McIntyre feels about this invasion of privacy! Did you ask his permission to tweet it?"Rosie R added: "Wonder how Mr McIntyre feels about this invasion of privacy! Did you ask his permission to tweet it?"
The Independent was seeking a comment from the Met Police at the time of publishing.The Independent was seeking a comment from the Met Police at the time of publishing.
  Due to budget restraints, the NPAS has recently said it will be closing 10 of its helicopter bases to offer a ‘more efficient service’.