A man is being quizzed after unwitting, female partygoers were filmed on nights out – with the voyeuristic videos racking up millions of views on social media.
Police believe it’s the first arrest in the UK “linked with several viral videos on social media platforms appearing to have filmed women on nights out, some in vulnerable positions.”
The videos on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, often titled Manchester nightlife or Liverpool nightlife, were uploaded daily. Videos have also been taken in London and Leeds.
The 27-year-old man was arrested – in a cross-border morning raid – by Greater Manchester Police officers in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on suspicion of stalking and harassment and is being questioned in custody.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said many women who had been impacted had come forward following a public appeal, after being filmed on Peter Street or Deansgate.
One of the women filmed said she was recorded walking along Deansgate in Manchester. The 23-year-old, who cannot be named, was unaware she had been filmed until sent a link to one of the videos.
“I have no words really other than it just made me feel a bit sick,” she said.
Chief Inspector Stephen Wiggins said: “We took the concerns of the public really seriously on this issue, and have worked hard with partners to assess the full circumstances and what courses of action were available to us.
“It is a very new and complex issue, but this is a significant development.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe as they enjoy a night out, and these videos have made people, particularly women, not feel like that, which we can’t tolerate.
“Filming in public is legal, however where this filming crosses the line into offences such as upskirting, stalking or harassment, it’s important that we don’t allow that behaviour.
“Every Friday and Saturday there are approximately 60 officers on patrol around our city centre hotspots, also with support from partners, charities, and volunteers.
“Collectively, we are all on the look out for any behaviour that appears predatory in nature, proactively challenging that behaviour and safeguarding anyone who is vulnerable.
“Particularly as we enter one of our busiest periods in the year, Christmas and New Year, I want to reassure the public that Manchester City Centre’s night life is safe, and they can expect us to take action against anyone who threatens that.
“We would continue to encourage anyone who has personally been impacted by the content within these videos to come forward to us, so we can record these reports and assist with our ongoing investigations.”
GMP said their initial probe into the videos has since uncovered content, accessible through a paywall, containing suspected upskirting and non-consensual nudity.
The force said: “This morning (Wednesday 27 November 2024), we’ve arrested a 27-year-old man in Bradford on suspicion of stalking and harassment, in connection with several reports of women being followed, filmed, and harassed in Manchester City Centre.
“This arrest is thought to be the first in the country linked with several viral videos on social media platforms appearing to have filmed women on nights out, some whilst in vulnerable positions.
“As well as the widely viewed videos posted publicly, through further investigation, we found more content locked under paywalled accounts which included footage of suspected non-consensual nudity and upskirting.
“After the issue was first brought to our attention, we made several appeals for anyone directly impacted by these videos to come forward.
“Many women did so, explaining the fear this had created for them, and the impact on their feeling of being safe whilst out at night.”
