A man has been arrested after a series of “distressing” prank videos circulated online.

Police say the arrest follows investiation into footage of a number of incidents, including entering addresses without permission from the owners and unsolicited approaches made towards members of the public in the street or on transport.

The man, who is 18 but cannot be named at this time, is currently in police custody after being arrested on the evening of Monday (May 22) on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.

In one video, a man is seen entering a Hackney house with others seemingly without the permission of the homeowners.

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.”

He added that many of these videos impacted “many different people” and an investigation continues into the ‘pranks’ committed and the impact on the public.