Police spotting (junction watch)

I got asked to dismount my bike last night and step onto the pavement on Essex road last night (Hi-viz jacket, Hi-viz bike and no helmet) I said I didn't want to etc blah blah and was asked for ID - I dont carry any or have any, so I told them this and they said I had to show them something with my identity on it.

At this point I thought sod it and rode off without much fuss. I dont have to have ID, do I?

Even if you are carrying ID there is no need to give it to them unless they are arresting you or they have reasonable suspicion that you are up to no good. These little "safety" chats are entirely voluntary. Asking for ID is actually a bit fucking cheeky, it must be a ploy to make their advice seem more official instead of being seen as the half baked opinion of people with little applicable experience.