A 27-year-old man has been arrested by police investigating reports of women being filmed on nights out.
The man from Bradford was arrested on suspicion of stalking and harassment on Wednesday morning and is being questioned, Greater Manchester Police said.
The force launched an investigation into reports of women being followed, filmed and harassed in Manchester city centre and said it had uncovered content, accessible through a paywall, containing upskirting and non-consensual nudity.
A spokesperson said the arrest is thought to be the first in the country linked to videos on social media which appear to film women on nights out, some while they are in vulnerable positions.
Appeals for people to come forward if they had been affected by the videos led to many women contacting police to explain the “fear” it had caused, the spokesperson added.
‘It’s important we don’t allow that behaviour’
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.”
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He added: “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 lookout 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 nightlife is safe, and they can expect us to take action against anyone who threatens that.”
