Civil action possible over secret filming of women

Police are considering taking civil action after being told it was not possible to criminally prosecute people for filming women on nights out without their consent.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said that while a man had been arrested in November 2024 in connection with such incidents in Manchester, limitations within current legislation meant it was now exploring other legal options.

The force said "all possible lines of enquiry were explored, and women who came forward have been updated".

Supt Nicola Williams said the man's arrest had been "the first in the country and was our commitment to acting on all the information we have received".

GMP's investigation began after "several social media videos of this nature were brought to our attention", with an appeal leading to multiple women coming forward to report the impact that finding themselves in these videos, and the commentary on them, had had on them.

The force urged anyone who experienced anything which made them feel unsettled or unsafe on a night out to come forward.

A spokesperson said GMP was exploring civil action in connection with several reports of women being filmed without their consent, particularly in the Deansgate and Peter Street areas.

They said the criminal investigation had concluded "due to limitations" but they were "exploring civil routes in taking action" alongside Manchester City Council.

Williams said: "We took the reports from women who came forward, as well as the public feeling towards this behaviour, really seriously."

She said throughout their investigation , officers had explored all lines of enquiry thoroughly, including digital forensic examination of various devices.

"The investigation was also reviewed by an experienced, senior detective to ensure no stone was left unturned," she added.

"Predatory behaviour is completely unacceptable, and tackling this has been a priority for our night-time economy policing operation."

The safety of people on nights out in the city remained their priority, the force said.

Under GMP's Operation Safer Streets campaign, officers have made about 1,000 interventions with suspicious individuals and the same number of contacts with vulnerable people.

It had resulted in "significant reductions in offences such as rape", the GMP spokesperson said.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.