Man in Latex-Like Clothing Frightens Women in North Somerset
A BBC report about a mysterious individual dressed in latex-like clothing terrorizing a woman on a dark country lane in Claverham, North Somerset, made headlines in July 2019. While some people made jokes on social media, women in nearby villages became genuinely frightened, causing them to alter their nighttime routines. Plans were devised for leaving pubs and restaurants in groups, and for husbands, fathers, and boyfriends to escort women home.
Just last week, a man in latex-like attire was sentenced for similar offenses 12 miles away. We went to Claverham, Cleeve, and Yatton in North Somerset to speak with women who still fear going out alone after dark. Warning: The following discussion contains themes of a sexual nature.
One woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, lives in Claverham and admits feeling uncomfortable when it gets dark. She confessed, “Even just walking to the car… or walking back late at night on my own, even from the pub in the village hall.” She went on to say that within her group of friends, they frequently discuss their plans for getting home safely and which routes to take, ensuring they stay together. She acknowledged that although some people may find it amusing, when it happens so close to home, it becomes a constant concern, especially at night.
Sightings of a person wearing a full, dark bodysuit and face covering, described as a “gimp suit,” have been reported in Claverham and Yatton in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Another woman, who managed to capture a photograph of the perpetrator during one of the incidents, revealed that she sees his face every time she closes her eyes. The anxiety caused by this has led to her being prescribed medication. A woman we spoke to in Claverham expressed her fear of the situation escalating. She said, “From the early reports, I felt frightened and I was worried about it.” She added that as a woman, she knows it’s not common for women to walk alone at night in the area if they can avoid it.
Although there have been numerous sightings reported to the police, insufficient evidence has prevented any arrests or convictions. However, there was a recent incident in Bleadon, near Weston-super-Mare, where a man wearing dark clothing and a mask was seen near cars and rolling on the ground. When the police responded to the scene, they found Joshua Hunt, 32, in a white Berlingo van. The van contained homemade outfits consisting of black clothing, women’s tights, face masks with white neon paint, and gloves. Hunt was subsequently arrested and charged for the offenses in Bleadon.
Hunt appeared in Bristol Magistrates’ Court on October 27 and was found guilty of causing intentional harassment, alarm, or distress. He received a fine of £100 and was ordered to pay £200 compensation to each of his victims, as well as £620 in prosecution costs. Hunt admitted to the offenses in Bleadon but denied being the “gimp man” seen in Cleeve, Yatton, and Claverham (where his family home is located).
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that there is insufficient evidence to link Hunt to the previous sightings. However, a Freedom of Information request showed that calls reporting a man dressed in dark clothing and a mask have been made for over five years in the villages of Yatton, Claverham, and Cleeve.
We have compiled a timeline of the calls and sightings from 2018:
- November 23, 2018 – June 18, 2019 (Yatton): Seven calls reported a “gimp suit” man in various locations in the village. Descriptions ranged from a man wearing a full gimp suit with a red mask to a man wearing a gimp mask made of gaffa tape or a full black head gimp mask. Reports mentioned the man rolling in animal excrement and engaging in indecent behavior.
- July 11, 2019 (Claverham): A woman took a photo of a man in a bodysuit as he stood in front of her late at night in Chapel Lane, Claverham. She was terrified.
- August 2019 – September 2021 (Yatton, Claverham, Congresbury): Nine calls made with mentions of the “gimp” under various incidents.
- September 1, 2021 (Claverham): A masked man was reported to the police for allegedly spying on a couple in their home.
- September 19, 2021 – November 6, 2022 (Claverham, Yatton): Four additional calls with mentions of the “gimp” under different alleged incidents.
- June 26, 2022 (Yatton): A 19-year-old and her boyfriend reported seeing a “masked man in a latex suit” approaching them at night. Police conducted a search but found no trace of the man.
- October 25, 2022 (Cleeve): Two teenagers reported seeing a man in a bodysuit “writhing and grunting” on the floor. One teenager described the man as smelling “earthy” and covered in mud.
- October 26, 2022 (Cleeve): A man was arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance but released due to insufficient evidence.
- May 7, 2023 (Bleadon): Reports were made of a man wearing dark clothing and a tight mask with white crosses over the eyes.
- May 9, 2023 (Bleadon): A woman reported seeing a figure in a black outfit and mask and felt sheer horror. The police arrested Joshua Hunt in a white Berlingo van with homemade outfits.
A man recounted his experience of encountering the “gimp man” in Yatton around 2018. He shared how he parked his car late at night and noticed someone watching him as he reached into the backseat. The man stood just 1.5 meters away, wearing a black latex suit and mask with red crosses over the eyes and no shoes. The two locked eyes briefly before the witness walked toward the man and he sprinted away. The witness admitted it was a scary encounter and mentioned his concern for his mother’s safety in a similar situation.
Detective Inspector Dan Rowan of Avon and Somerset Police acknowledged the impact these incidents have had on the public. He reassured the community that investigations are being taken seriously and emphasized understanding the perspectives of both the victims and the offender. He noted the police’s rapid response to the reports in Bleadon, leading to the arrest of Joshua Hunt. DI Rowan also acknowledged that these investigations can affect people in different ways and commended the bravery of those who have come forward.
