A 24-year-old man from Great Sankey, Warrington, has been arrested on suspicion of voyeurism after he was reportedly seen filming two women inappropriately in a Liverpool city centre bar.
It was reported that a man was spotted using a mobile phone to film under the skirts of two women in a bar in the Ropewalks area of the city centre at about midnight on Saturday 4 May.
One of the women grabbed the phone and deleted the video.
Security at the venue detained the suspect and alerted passing police patrols, who detained the man and seized his phone, where he found a quantity of white powder suspected to be cocaine.
The 24-year-old man from Great Sankey was arrested on suspicion of voyeurism (operating equipment to observe) and possession of a controlled Class A drug (cocaine).
He has been bailed with strict conditions not to enter Liverpool city centre.
Inspector Jack Woodward from Merseyside Police said: “Everyone has the right to go out of an evening in Liverpool and enjoy themselves without fear of being targeted in this way.
“Our officers, who were proactively policing the city centre, acted promptly to arrest a suspect and our investigation into this incident continues.
“Liverpool remains one of the safest cities in the UK to enjoy a night out and as a result is awarded Purple Flag status every year, and we want visitors and residents in the city centre to feel safe at all times.
“We have a range of measures in place to protect the public, including a proactive policing operation with plain-clothed and uniformed officers tasked with people displaying signs of predatory behaviour, and to disrupt those who present a potential risk.”
Officers are also asked to be aware of anyone who may be vulnerable and to ensure any safeguarding concerns are addressed regarding voyeurism.
Insp Woodward added: “We work closely with licensed premises and taxi drivers whose unique positions enable them to provide very useful observations.
“Bar staff are also trained to spot the signs of predatory behaviour and safeguard people affected. We also work closely with partners including local authorities, universities, public health and support services to maintain an environment in Liverpool where people can go out and return home having had a wonderful night without incident.
“If you have any additional information which may assist our enquiries, you are being harassed during a night out, or you want to report any other form of offence, you can call 101 or DM @MerPolCC. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.”
