A 27-year-old man from Bradford has been arrested and charged in connection with viral TikTok videos showing vulnerable women filmed without their consent during nights out in Manchester.
The suspect was detained on Wednesday morning on suspicion of stalking and harassment, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The arrest follows an investigation into reports of women being followed, filmed, and harassed in Manchester city centre. Police discovered content involving suspected upskirting and non-consensual nudity, hidden behind a paywall.
The videos reportedly went viral on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, gaining millions of views and generating misogynistic comments, the BBC reports. GMP stated this arrest is the first in the UK related to videos featuring women filmed in vulnerable situations during nights out.
Following public appeals, many women contacted the police, sharing the fear the videos caused, particularly those filmed around Peter Street and Deansgate. Chief Inspector Stephen Wiggins emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “We took the public’s concerns seriously and worked hard with our partners to assess all available actions.”
Wiggins noted that while filming in public is legal, it becomes criminal when it crosses into harassment, stalking, or upskirting. He reassured the public that GMP is committed to ensuring a safe nightlife environment, particularly as the busy holiday season approaches.
With around 60 officers patrolling Manchester’s city centre hotspots on weekends, alongside support from charities and volunteers, Wiggins emphasized the focus on safeguarding vulnerable individuals and confronting predatory behavior.
