News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Police have warned that bystanders who film officers making arrests could have their smartphones seized.

The move comes following a rise in the number of videos and still footage of police incidents appearing on social media sites.

The images often go online within minutes of being taken, the Daily Record reports .

Officers have been told to look out for members of the public trying to video them when they attend 999 calls.

Scottish police are concerned a small minority try to intimidate officers in a bid to prevent them performing their duties.

They say the warning isn't a ban on the public photographing incidents but anyone obstructing officers may be arrested and have their phones confiscated.

A police spokeswoman said: "Officers are aware members of the public may film them in the course of their duties.

"Such action is not a criminal offence unless it causes an obstruction to the officer carrying out their professional duties.

"Any individual causing an obstruction will be warned about their behaviour.

"If such actions persist, they face being arrested and their equipment being seized.”

(Image: Getty)

Two years ago, camera phone footage of two police officers dealing with a difficult motorist in Glasgow who refused to give his personal details became an internet hit.

The officers pulled over a van driver who was suspected of using his mobile phone at the wheel.

He claimed he was eating a banana.

READ MORE:

The YouTube video has since been viewed almost 900,000 times.

Association of Scottish Police Superintendents president Niven Rennie said officers generally adopt a common-sense approach to being filmed by the public.

He said: "Officers are made aware during their training that they may be captured on film and how to react."

FBI boss James Comey claims officers being filmed on smartphones has led to a rise in violent crime in the US.