A 27-year-old man from Bradford has been arrested on suspicion of stalking and harassment in connection with several women on nights out being followed, filmed and harassed in Manchester city centre.

This morning's 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 while in vulnerable positions.

The man currently remains in custody for questioning whilst investigations continue.

As well as the widely viewed public videos, officers also found more content locked under paywalled accounts which included footage of suspected non-consensual nudity and upskirting.

The videos in Manchester were primarily filmed around the Peter Street and Deansgate areas.

(Image: Google Maps)

After officers appealed for information, many women came forward to explain the fear this had created for them, and the impact on their feeling safe whilst out at night.

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.

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“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 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.”

Officers have urged anyone with has personally been impacted by the content within these videos to come forward, so that the reports can assist with ongoing investigations. This can be done via the Greater Manchester Police website or by calling 101.

Got a story? Email me at Leah.Collins@newsquest.co.uk