The head of the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) in the UK has turned to police after claims he and his family are being followed by "persons unknown".
A statement from the union said its General Secretary Mr Andy Gilchrist and his family have been followed all day today. The union is currently involved a bitter pay dispute with the British government.
"The Fire Brigades Union believes it is unacceptable for their democratically elected General Secretary and his family to be stalked in this manner and will be dealing with the matter privately not publicly," the statement said. FBU President Ms Ruth Winters said: "No attempt to smear Andy Gilchrist's name will stop him from representing our members in this dispute.
"The Fire Brigades Union wholeheartedly condemns the actions of those who seek to discredit and demonise our General Secretary for representing our members. We will not stand by and allow Andy and his family to be stalked and harassed."