Man escorted from designer street for bid to take picture

The Firetrap display and the security incident (below) sparked when StevieFish photographed it

But one photographer found himself in the frame when during a stroll down upmarket Multrees Walk he was banned from taking photos of shop fronts - because of the potential threat of ram raiders.

The "no pictures" policy came to light after the man was seen attempting to take a picture of an especially eye-catching window display and was escorted from the area by security.

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The bizarre incident, which was itself caught on camera by the disgruntled photographer and passers-by, was later posted on YouTube, sparking outrage and calls for a surprise "flashmob" in Multrees Walk today.

The one-and-a-half minute video shows the snapper - known as StevieFish - being told that he was not allowed to take any photographs because he was "in a private street". He was then escorted from the area by at least four security guards.

The upmarket shopping area has been hit by a number of ram raids in the past. But StevieFish protested that he was in a public space and should be able to take a picture of the window display at Firetrap clothing store.

Fellow photographers on social networking sites, such as YouTube and Twitter, said the guards' actions were out of order, and called for action.

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They are hoping that dozens of photographers will gather to take pictures of the shops at Multrees Walk today in protest against the security guards' actions and the policy.

One Twitter user, known as LillyLyle, said: "I've taken dozens and dozens of photos along Multrees Walk, they better have me arrested then. I'm boiling mad."

Another user, SHM5, said "Multrees Walk bans photos? Here's some I just took."

An unnamed amateur photographer said he would be attending the flashmob to protest at the "fascist and ridiculous" treatment of an innocent passer-by. He added: "The area is clearly a public way. Several people pass through there every day and they undoubtedly take pictures. What about tourists? Are they banned too?

"I can't think why this guy, who was doing nothing but taking a picture of a cool window display, was moved on. Maybe they didn't like the look of him. The actions displayed in the video are totally unnecessary."

A Multrees Walk spokesman said: "Multrees Walk is privately owned and is not public space. We don't allow photography, but if it is arranged through the shop owner in advance this is OK.

"Multrees Walk outlets have been ramraided on a number of occasions. In December 2008, thousands of pounds worth of designer bags were grabbed. We have banned photography on the recommendation of tenants and the police. "If the blogger would come forward we would be happy to arrange for him to take some photos."