A man who filmed women on nights out without their knowledge and shared them on social media, gaining millions of views and attracted misogynistic comments has been arrested in Bradford after the comments about the clips led to a police inquiry.

The videos on TikTok, Youtube and Instagram, often titled Manchester nightlife or Liverpool nightlife, were uploaded daily by a 27-year-old man who now face charges of stalking and harassment as he is now being questioned in police custody.

Greater Manchester Police said many women who had been impacted by such videos had come forward following a public appeal.

One of the women filmed said she was recorded walking along Deansgate in Manchester without realising it until she was sent a link to one of the videos. “I have no words really other than it just made me feel a bit sick,” she said.

“This 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 whilst in vulnerable positions.”

Greater Manchester Police said officers had found other content “locked under paywalled accounts which included footage of suspected non-consensual nudity and upskirting” during the investigation.

Ch Insp Stephen Wiggins said: “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.”

He added: “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.”