Man arrested for upskirting woman at Tottenham Beyoncé concert

Met officers supported venue security in removing individuals for stalking and threatening behaviour at the series of concerts earlier this month

A man was arrested for upskirting a woman at a Beyoncé concert earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police says.

As part of the ongoing crackdown on violent offenders, officers have so far attended more than 51 large-scale concerts throughout London, with many dedicated public order officers and dedicated violence against women and girls (VAWG) patrols.

The operation began on Thursday, 5th June at the opening Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Beyoncé concert – the first of 19 concerts at the venue this summer – and has already had results. Officers supported venue security in removing individuals for stalking and threatening behaviour, and arrested a man for upskirting who remains on police bail while enquiries continue. 

The Met’s role working with event organisers and event security includes engaging with attendees, identifying and intervening in any predatory or violent behaviour, and responding swiftly to any incidents of VAWG. Officers will also be patrolling between venues and major transport hubs and be on hand to speak to concert goers.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, the lead officer for concerts this summer, said:  “Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe, whether walking home, using public transport, or enjoying a night out at a concert. Yet too many still don’t.  The Met is determined to change that.

“This summer we are working closer than ever with stadium management and major event organisers to help keep the public safe. Dedicated VAWG patrols are taking place at a number of concerts throughout the summer, with officers trained to spot predatory men in crowds and taken action to prevent violence before it happens.”

Kaya Comer-Schwartz, deputy mayor for policing and crime, said:  “Women and girls deserve to be safe and feel safe wherever they are in the capital and I welcome this action by the Met at summer concerts to prevent violent behaviour, support those in need and take swift action against perpetrators.   

“The Met’s V100 work, made possible by City Hall funding, is transforming the way they tackle violence against women and girls, ensuring perpetrators who pose the greatest risk are arrested and convicted – protecting victims from the worst offenders and making our streets safer. Putting specially trained officers at these busy summer concerts is another step in the right direction.

“The mayor and I will continue to support the Met to do everything possible to keep women and girls safe as part of our ongoing public health approach to tackling VAWG in all its forms to build a safer London for all.”    

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