Teenager arrested after video shows him entering private home in Hackney without permission

Photograph: Ray Forster

An 18-year-old man has been arrested after footage appeared on social media that showed him entering a private home in Hackney without permission.

He is shown walking into the property through an open front door, speaking to a resident inside and briefly sitting down on a sofa before leaving.

The teenager was detained yesterday on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and is currently in police custody.

Other videos posted on the internet show him making apparently unsolicited approaches towards members of the public in the street or on transport.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway of the Central East Command Unit 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.”