A man has been arrested after viral videos appearing to follow and film women around nights out in Manchester City Centre sparked concern and triggered an investigation by local officers.
A 27-year-old man from 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, police found more content locked under paywalled accounts which included footage of suspected non-consensual nudity and upskirting.
After the issue was first brought to the police’s attention, they 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.
Over the past few months, GMP’s neighbourhood team have worked in close consultation with the CPS to understand what next steps we could take with the reports received.
The videos in Manchester were primarily filmed around the Peter Street and Deansgate areas.
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.”
The man remains in custody for questioning at this time.
