A 27-year-old man from Bradford has been arrested and charged by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in connection with viral social media videos that allegedly featured women filmed without their consent during nights out in Manchester. The content, reportedly shared on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, garnered millions of views and caused outrage.
The man was apprehended on Wednesday morning on suspicion of stalking and harassment. GMP launched the investigation after receiving multiple complaints regarding women being followed, filmed, and harassed in Manchester city center, especially around the Peter Street and Deansgate areas.
During the investigation, officers uncovered a paywall-protected section of content featuring suspected upskirting and non-consensual nudity. These findings have marked what authorities believe is the first arrest in the UK linked to such social media videos targeting women in public spaces.
One victim described the impact of the videos, saying, “It felt like a complete violation of privacy. Knowing that these videos exist and could be monetized is terrifying.”
Another young woman expressed her anxiety about going out: “This has made nights out feel unsafe. Instead of enjoying myself, I’m constantly worried someone might be filming without my knowledge.”
Chief Inspector Stephen Wiggins spoke about the seriousness of the issue, emphasizing GMP’s commitment to public safety.
“We took the concerns of the public really seriously on this issue and have worked diligently with partners to assess the full circumstances and the courses of action available to us,” Wiggins stated. “This is a very new and complex issue, but today’s arrest is a significant development.”
He continued, “Everyone has the right to feel safe while enjoying a night out. These videos have undermined that sense of security, especially for women, which is something we will not tolerate. While filming in public spaces is legal, it becomes an offense when it crosses into predatory behavior such as upskirting, stalking, or harassment.”
Wiggins reassured the public of GMP’s proactive approach to addressing predatory behavior, particularly as the festive season approaches. “On Fridays and Saturdays, we deploy approximately 60 officers across city center hotspots, working alongside partners, charities, and volunteers. Our collective efforts aim to identify, challenge, and eliminate behaviors that threaten public safety.”
Chief Inspector Wiggins concluded, “Manchester city center is a vibrant hub, particularly during the holiday season, and we are committed to making it a safe and enjoyable place for all. Let this serve as a warning: anyone engaging in behavior that threatens the safety of others will face serious consequences.”
Critics have called on social media platforms to be more vigilant about identifying and removing such content before it goes viral.
