Police officers in West London have drawn criticism after warning a man he could face arrest over social media posts criticizing a local politician, raising concerns about free expression and law enforcement overreach.

Alastair Hilton, 57, a photographer from Chiswick, was approached by two officers at the Bell & Crown pub on Thursday following comments he made on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Hilton had posted critical remarks directed at a Green Party councillor in Hounslow regarding a now-withdrawn proposal to ban patrons from sitting in riverside areas outside three local pubs. The council rescinded the plan after protests from regular customers.

Hilton recorded the encounter, in which officers told him his posts were “near the line” of harassment, though he had not committed any criminal offense. The officers also cautioned that staging protests at a politician’s residence could be illegal. Hilton expressed frustration, noting a contrast with a previous incident involving his daughter’s houseboat in which authorities did not take action after windows were broken.

“They already knew it wasn’t a crime, but two coppers still came out,” Hilton said. “When my daughter was a victim, nobody could be bothered to get off their backsides.” The interaction ignited online debate, with some social media users comparing police behavior to that of “thought police” in an apparent reference to monitoring and suppressing dissenting opinions.

The Metropolitan Police stated that it provides “appropriate advice” on a case-by-case basis regarding potential threats near residences of public office holders, emphasizing its role in ensuring safety without endorsing restrictions on lawful expression.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions about the balance between safeguarding public officials and protecting citizens’ rights to free speech on social media platforms.