Teen arrested by Met investigating viral 'prank' videos

The Met's been looking into footage appearing to show a group entering a London home without permission.

The teenager's in custody being held on suspicion of causing a public nuisance. (library image)
Author: Aileen O'SullivanPublished 23rd May 2023
Last updated 23rd May 2023

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and is currently in police custody.

He was arrested on the evening of Monday May 22nd.

The arrest follows an investigation into social media footage which featured a number of incidents, including apparently unsolicited approaches made towards members of the public in the street or on transport, and entering addresses without the apparent permission of the owners.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway of the Central East Command Unit, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “I do not underestimate the widespread upset, distress and concern that these videos caused.

"Some people have referred to these as ‘prank’ videos, but I hope that this significant development demonstrates just how seriously we have been taking this investigation since this footage began circulating online.

"A number of these videos were produced, impacting on many different people and our investigation remains ongoing as we seek to build a strong picture of both the activity featured in the footage and impact on the public.”

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