Police in Norfolk are trying to track down a person who has been spotted walking around 'wearing a plague outfit', a get-up that's said to be disturbing locals.
The mysterious figure has been seen wandering around the Hellesdon area, near Norwich, dressed in a long, black cloak, hat and a pretty sinister-looking beaked mask - much like plague doctors would wear in the 17th Century in the belief that it would help keep the disease away.
Advert
A Norfolk Police spokesman said: "Officers have been made aware of an individual who was seen walking around the Hellesdon area wearing a plague outfit.
"Although no offences have been committed at this time, officers are keen to trace the individual in order to provide words of advice about the implications of his actions on the local community.
"Should any further information come forward about any offences being committed, we will act accordingly."
A video of the person was shared by local Jade Gosbell, a furloughed gym worker, who was worried about children becoming frightened by them.
Advert
"It was like 20 degrees, he was wearing a full black suit, it just looked ridiculous," she told the Press Assocation.
"It's clearly for attention or something like that, because normal people just wouldn't do that."
Gosbell continued: "I was sitting there and I was getting angry myself as my mum has a phobia of masks.
"I know that even in daylight if she was to go round the corner and bump into him she would be so scared.
Advert
"Kids would be frightened, my mum would be frightened, however some people really don't think it's that deep, they just think that he's having a laugh, he's just trying to find something to do with himself during isolation and lockdown."
According to the BBC, a photograph of the person was also posted on a village social media page, where many people commented to say they felt freaked out.
Advert
One said: "Just casually... strolling around the village in a plague costume? That's just not normal is it, do it indoors it's bl***y terrifying for poor little kids."
Others argued the stranger was doing no harm, with one writing: "I admit he is weird but what harm is he doing... made me giggle."
Danny Buck, a historian at the University of East Anglia, told the BBC: "The police believe local residents are finding it disturbing.
"If the person wearing the 'Plague Dr' costume is seen out and about in Hellesdon, please contact police at the time.
Advert
"A unit can then be dispatched and attempt to locate and identify this person."
Featured Image Credit: Storyful