I'm not sure how the laws work in England - but aren't photos federally protected under some sort of intellectual property laws?
Whether you think the photographer overstepped his bounds and shouldn't have traveled down the street and/or taken the photos - or if he was within his rights...the cop swearing at the photographer...then telling him he was lucky he wasn't punched or beaten in some way.
That's real professional.
At the very least the cop needs a refresher course in public relations.