A criminal investigation into the unsolicited filming of women in Manchester has been dropped due to legal limitations, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed.

In November 2024, GMP opened an investigation that led to the arrest of a 27-year-old man on suspicion of voyeurism and harassment. The arrest followed complaints from multiple women who reported being secretly filmed without their consent while on nights out in Manchester city centre. 

On Wednesday 21 January, GMP announced that the criminal investigation had concluded, citing “limitations within the current legislation”. Police confirmed that civil action against the content creator is now being explored as a potential alternative. 

The majority of the footage was filmed in the Deansgate and Peter Street areas and shared across several social media platforms, including TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. The videos have collectively amassed millions of views since 2022.

Despite police stating they followed all available lines of enquiry, there is currently no specific law in the UK that prohibits filming individuals in public places. 

In a statement, Superintendent Nicola Williams said: “We took the reports from women who came forward, as well as the public feeling towards this behaviour, really seriously. The arrest of an individual in November 2024 was the first of its kind in the country and demonstrated our commitment to acting on all the information we received.” 

She added: “We are committed to ensuring nights out are safe for everyone and encourage anyone who experiences unwanted behaviour to report this to us.” 

In 2023, GMP launched ‘Operation Safer Streets’ aimed to increase safeguards for women and vulnerable nightlife revellers in the Peter Street–Deansgate corridor. According to GMP, the operation has resulted in more than 1,000 police interventions to safeguard vulnerable people. GMP also claims the initiative has contributed to a 68% reduction in reported rape offences and a 17% reduction in other sexual offences across Manchester city centre.