We'll make arrests over predatory videos of women on nights out

TOP COP IN VOW OVER CRACKDOWN ON MISOGYNY

- NICOLE WOOTTON-CANE

GREATER Manchester Police have said they are willing to make arrests over 'creepy' viral social media videos of women filmed unknowingly on nights out.

The force told the M.E.N. they are 'taking the issue seriously' and urged any women who feel harassed or distressed while on a night out to report the issue to officers.

While it is not illegal to film people in public, in an exclusive interview with the M.E.N. police bosses emphasised they will respond to 'misogynistic' and 'predatory' behaviour.

It comes after footage shared widely on social media of women on nights out on Deansgate and Peter Street has gained millions of views across platforms including TikTok, YouTube and Facebook. Women, who are unaware they are being filmed and often appear intoxicated, have dubbed the videos 'creepy' and 'misogynistic', with some saying they don't feel safe on nights out in the area.

Following extensive reporting on the trend, the M.E.N. was invited to join GMP on patrol in Manchester city centre on a Friday night as part of Operation Custodian to better understand the police response to the issue.

There, Chief Inspector Stephen Wiggins told us officers had reported intervening when they saw suspicious behaviour that could be linked to the videos, adding he was 'reassured' cops are 'taking it seriously.'

Explaining the police response, Chief Insp Wiggins said: "We take this really, really seriously. From a wider perspective, it's okay to film people in the city centre - it's not a crime per se.