THE policeman whose “dad-dancing” went viral after he danced with children at Manchester’s benefit concert last night is an officer based in Darlington, it emerged.

PC Paul Taylor, of Durham Constabulary, who lives in the Middlesbrough area, was filmed on international TV dancing with a group of six young fans during the One Love Manchester gig, at Old Trafford cricket ground.

He was one of nearly 50 Durham officers seconded to the North-West for the night, to support Greater Manchester Police.

But the first he knew of his new-found internet fame was when he woke up yesterday morning with dozens of missed calls and text messages on his phone.

The heartwarming moment was captured while Justin Bieber was talking to the crowd between songs, and has since gone viral on social media.

PC Taylor, who has been an officer for 20 years, said: “I had been inside for most of the concert but a group of girls came and asked if they could get a picture taken with me, and I accepted.

“Then they came back and asked if I would have a dance with them and I obliged.

“I just wanted to make them happy and smile, and that’s what they did.”
He said police were there both to provide security but also reassurance to the many fans who had been at the original Ariana Grande gig when a suicide bomber attacked.

He said: “It was sad because at the end of the concert I was approached by a couple of girls who were at the original concert and were very apprehensive about leaving.

“I reassured them and they felt safer.”

The 50-year-old father-of-two realised that his actions had been broadcast live when he saw his picture all over Twitter.

He said he was “gobsmacked” when he watched the video back yesterday morning, but couldn’t help but laugh at it.”

“My colleagues and friends are all taking the mickey out of me. My son, who is in Tenerife, rang me and said: ‘Was that you dancing on the telly?’.

“I wouldn’t even call it that to be honest.

“It wasn’t dad dancing - it was worse than dad dancing! It was like a ring-a-roses kind of dance.

“But I couldn’t say no to these little girls, they were only about seven or eight. But as long as it puts a smile on people’s faces.”

The One Love Manchester benefit concert was organised by US singer Ariana Grande to honour the 22 people who lost their lives in the terror attack following her show at Manchester arena.