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Residents Fear Man In Gimp Suit Who Terrorised Village Has Returned

Residents Fear Man In Gimp Suit Who Terrorised Village Has Returned

"I’ve got older children and even my kids are saying ‘it’s the gimp man again'. They’re really freaked out by it."

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

Residents in a UK village fear a man in a gimp suit who terrorised the area might have returned.

The unsettling news comes after a masked man was spotted spying on a couple through their window in Claverham, Somerset, shortly after midnight on 1 September - but officers were unable to locate him.

The sighting has sparked fresh concern that the 'gimp man' might have returned.

Prior to the latest incident, police received 14 reports of a man approaching people while wearing disguises.

Officers are trying to establish whether this fresh encounter could be linked to those before it.

Locals fear 'the gimp man' may have returned.
Handout

What's for certain is that the sighting has spooked locals.

One woman, who asked not to be named, told the BBC: "I've got older children and even my kids are saying 'it's the gimp man again'.

"They're really freaked out by it.

"But it could be anyone and I want to come from a practical point of view and do something to help people feel safer.

"I'm not too bothered to walk around on my own but it freaks my children out and I want them to feel safer."

The so-called gimp man was last spotted in July 2019, when he charged at 25-year-old, Abi.

Recounting her experience, she said to the BBC: "I would never forgive myself if this happened to someone else and I hadn't said anything.

"I was walking along with my torch and looked up to see someone charging at me in a full black rubbery suit and managed to take a picture. He kept coming towards me and was touching his groin, grunting and breathing heavy.

"As I tried to take a step back he was right in front of my face and he put his leg forward. I was just trying to assess the situation in my head quickly.

"Everything was running through my head. I thought: 'This is it, I'm going to get attacked'. I was looking around thinking, 'Oh my God'."

Police patrols have been increased in the area.
Pixabay/ShepherdMedia

Police subsequently arrested two men, aged 28 and 34, on suspicion of indecency; however, they were released with no further action due to insufficient evidence.

Upon hearing about the latest sighting, Abi said: "My heart felt like I was running a marathon, [there was] an instant feeling of panic, anxiety and anger again which took me over a year of private counselling and medications to control.

"If I'm not worrying at home, I'm worrying at work because my wife's at home and so are many other women."

Police told the BBC patrols have been increased in the area.

Featured Image Credit: Handout

Topics: UK News, crime, Weird