(2 hours ago)Malarkey wrote I think for now having a word with them was enough, hopefully they'll learn a lesson that how they acted today was wrong.

Sorry to hear that this happened, and indeed, sound advice.

I'd make a mental note of the date, then if you do have similar again, the Police will be able to locate the incident report if you decide to pursue another incident further.

(2 hours ago)Storx wrote In fairness, there's a park there if it's where I think it is.

Probably one for your list, stay away from schools, parks, supermarkets, cinemas, beaches and anywhere where there might be children and don't stand outside of bars and nightclubs because drunks are irrational. You're just asking for trouble imo by someone who's insecure but tbf I wouldn't be surprised if it's happened before.

It's this kind of statement that gives people the irrational belief that photography is some sort of crime.

Whilst yes, photographing outside of a school, a venue specifically for children, is very likely going to end up in conflict, it's ridiculous to suggest a whole list of places you shouldn't photograph at, just in case there's kids there or people who otherwise don't like photography. If people can walk down a street with hundreds of cameras, yet only take offence at the one guy standing there pursuing a hobby in photographing buses, that sounds like their problem, not the photographers.

As most photographers will tell you; shoot with the application of common sense. Knowing Malarkey, he'll have done just that. Not only has he tried to de-escalate the situation (which is more than he's required to do), but he was wise to report the actual offence of being harassed.