It was a cold winter morning when British police knocked on Anas Altikriti's family home in London.

The veteran anti-war activist was abroad when one of his sons called telling him officers were looking for him.

Baffled by the situation, he dismissed the call. The police then came again two days later - only this time more forcefully.

Leaving a number, Altikriti called the police back.

They said his life was in danger, and he was being served an Osman Notice - a notice given to individuals if the London Metropolitan Police fears their life is in imminent danger.