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25th February 2026
Dear Sir/Madam,
Formal Complaint Regarding Alleged Misconduct
I am writing to make a formal complaint regarding an incident that occurred on at approximately at .
The complaint concerns the following officer(s):
The incident was captured on video. The recording can be viewed at:
Summary of Incident
I was lawfully busking (street performing) when I was approached by the above officer(s). I was using a small battery-powered amplifier. I was not obstructing the highway and pedestrians could pass freely.
1) Unlawful Enforcement of PSPO
Officers stated that I was breaking the law because there is a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place , claiming: "".
Home Office guidance has made clear on multiple occasions that anti-social behaviour legislation, including PSPOs, should not be used to stop or prevent busking that is not genuinely anti-social:
"We have made it clear in the statutory guidance for frontline professionals that they should not use the new powers to stop reasonable activities such as busking..."
— Baroness Lady Williams [Official Report, 12/2/15; Col.1345]
Unless busking is explicitly defined as a prohibited activity in a valid PSPO (which is contrary to Home Office guidance), officers had no lawful basis to instruct me to cease my performance.
1) Unreasonable Noise Complaint Response
Officers claimed I was causing a noise nuisance, stating: "".
Busking is an established cultural activity that courts have recognised as a legitimate use of public space. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, a statutory nuisance requires noise that is "prejudicial to health or a nuisance" - a single complaint does not constitute a statutory nuisance.
Furthermore, town centres are inherently noisy environments. Street performance at reasonable levels during daytime hours is not only lawful but is actively supported by many local authorities through voluntary codes of conduct.
1) Highway Obstruction Claim
Officers claimed I was obstructing the highway, stating: "".
Case law has established that everyone has the right to make "reasonable use" of the public highway, including for purposes incidental to passage such as street performance. In DPP v Jones [1999], the House of Lords confirmed that peaceful, non-obstructive activities on the highway are lawful.
I was positioned so as not to cause any genuine obstruction to pedestrians. The pavement was wide enough for people to pass comfortably.
1) Incorrect Claim About Licensing Requirements
Officers claimed I required a licence or permit to busk, stating: "".
Under the Licensing Act 2003 (Schedule 1, paragraphs 15.62-15.64), busking is explicitly exempt from entertainment licensing requirements when it involves voluntary contributions from the public rather than a formal charge for admission.
While some boroughs (notably Camden, Westminster, and a small number of others) have local licensing schemes, most areas in England and Wales do not require any permit for busking. Officers should be aware of the specific rules in their jurisdiction before making claims about licensing.
Unlawful Threats of Arrest
Officers threatened to arrest me. Under Section 24 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), an arrest requires reasonable grounds to suspect an offence has been or is being committed. Busking is a lawful activity, and without evidence of an actual offence, threats of arrest were disproportionate and intimidating.
My right to peaceful assembly under Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights was also engaged. Public performance is a form of expression protected under Article 10.
Equipment Seizure
My equipment was seized during this incident. I request immediate return of my property and an explanation of the legal power under which it was confiscated. If no lawful basis existed for the seizure, I expect compensation for any damage or loss of earnings caused.
Refusal to Disclose Complaint Details
When I asked for details of any complaints made against me, officers refused to provide log numbers or any information, citing data protection.
I understand that I am entitled to know the reference numbers of any complaints that led to police attendance. This information does not identify the complainant and should be provided on request. I now formally request disclosure of any complaint log numbers relating to this incident.
Requested Outcomes
I request that this complaint is dealt with formally under the Police Reform Act 2002. Specifically, I am seeking:
- • A formal written apology acknowledging any misconduct or errors
- • Confirmation that officers will receive training on the legal status of busking
- • Disclosure of any complaint log numbers relating to this incident
- • A written explanation of the legal basis (if any) for the officers' actions
- • Immediate return of my seized equipment and compensation for any losses
Under the Police Reform Act 2002, you have 14 days to notify me that this complaint has been recorded. All correspondence should be in writing to the address/email above.
Yours faithfully,
