The photograph was likened to an image reminiscent of the ‘flower-power’ protests of the
1960s and an emblematic image of peace in Italy.

However the CIOSP, a union which represents Italian police officers, has lodged a complaint with Turin prosecutors.

Franco Maccari, Italian police union secretary general, said: ‘We have accused the protester of sexual violence and insulting a public official.

‘If the policeman had kissed her, world war three would have broken out.’