A 27-year-old man from Bradford has been arrested and charged in the UK for creating viral videos of vulnerable women on nights out in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that the man was detained on Wednesday morning on suspicion of stalking and harassment.

The arrest follows a police investigation into reports of women being followed, filmed, and harassed in Manchester city centre. During the probe, authorities discovered paywalled content featuring suspected upskirting and non-consensual nudity.

According to the BBC, the videos, shared on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, amassed millions of views and attracted numerous misogynistic comments.

A GMP spokesperson stated this arrest is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK related to social media content targeting women on nights out. Many of the videos were filmed in areas such as Peter Street and Deansgate.

Police appealed for victims to come forward, which prompted numerous women to share how the videos instilled fear and anxiety.

Chief Inspector Stephen Wiggins emphasized the seriousness of the issue:
“We took public concerns very seriously and worked with partners to assess the situation and determine appropriate actions.

“This is a new and complex issue, but today’s development is significant. Everyone has the right to feel safe during a night out, and these videos have undermined that, especially for women, which is unacceptable.

“While filming in public is generally legal, it crosses the line when it involves offenses like upskirting, stalking, or harassment. We cannot tolerate such behavior.”

He added that approximately 60 officers, along with charities, partners, and volunteers, patrol city centre hotspots on weekends, monitoring for predatory behavior and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

As the festive season approaches, Chief Inspector Wiggins reassured the public that Manchester’s nightlife remains safe, and authorities are committed to addressing any threats to that safety.