**Police Launch Investigation After Footage Surfaces of Naked Masked Man in Lancashire**
Lancashire authorities have begun an investigation following the circulation of an unsettling video on social media. The footage, captured by an unknown individual, features a completely naked man strolling the streets of Lytham in the early hours, sporting nothing but a black face mask and a pair of trainers. The incident, which has gained significant traction online, has raised concerns among local residents and prompted a robust response from police.
The video, widely shared across various platforms, appears to show the man nonchalantly wandering past a series of residential properties under the cover of darkness. Local police have now verified that the episode occurred around 12:50am on 18 July in the vicinity of Westby Street, Cleveland Road, and Bannister Street – all situated in the Lytham area. This confirmation comes amidst social media rumours that the sighting happened later in the month, which Lancashire Police have now corrected.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary addressed the situation, saying, “We are aware of a concerning video being circulated on social media, which shows a naked man in a face covering walking about Lytham during the early morning hours. This matter was not reported to us at the time and has come to our attention only after being widely shared on Facebook.” The official added that the incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness due to the potential alarm it may have caused within the community.
In response, the Fylde Rural Task Force has taken charge of the inquiry, initiating both CCTV reviews and door-to-door investigations along the streets implicated in the footage. Officers aim to gather any additional information or footage that might shed light on the man’s identity and his motives for the unusual nocturnal outing.
The local police force has sought to reassure residents that the matter is being handled diligently. “Our priority is the safety and peace of mind of residents,” the spokesperson continued. “We encourage anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has access to relevant home security footage, to come forward and assist our investigation.”
Incidents of public nudity, especially under such bizarre circumstances, are rare and understandably provoke unease within local communities. While the reasons behind the mask-wearing and the otherwise brazen behaviour remain unclear at this stage, police say all lines of enquiry remain open. At this time, there is no suggestion that the man attempted to enter any homes or interacted directly with residents, although the shock factor has been considerable.
The incident has sparked a variety of reactions and discussions on social media platforms, with some users expressing fear, others sharing humour, and many raising concerns for the welfare of both the individual and the public. For some, the video prompts questions about the security and safety of residential areas during night-time hours, while for others, it highlights the challenges faced by police in responding to incidents in real time amidst the evolving landscape of viral media.
Authorities are now urging anyone with relevant information—particularly those with CCTV coverage of the affected streets around the reported time—to get in touch via the dedicated Fylde Rural Task Force email address at FyldeRTF@lancashire.police.uk. By working in partnership with the local community, police hope to quickly establish the facts behind the incident and address any underlying concerns that may have arisen.
As investigations continue, Lancashire Police remind residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity promptly. The impact of social media on the spread and awareness of such incidents once again highlights both its benefits and its complications for policing in the digital age.