After years of what I assume must have been terror, uncertainty and a long-lasting fear of coming face-to-face with someone in a gimp suit, towns in North Somerset might finally have some closure.
In the early hours of yesterday morning (25 October), police were called to Millier Road in Cleeve, North Somerset, and arrested a man.
A spokesperson for the police explained that the force responded 'quickly' due to similarities between yesterday's events and previous incidents, which have 'caused significant alarm' for those in the area.
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If you've been keeping up with the tales of the 'gimp suit' man like the latest Netflix drama, then you'll know that sightings of someone dressed in what looks to be a black latex bodysuit have been reported in Claverham, roughly a mile from Cleeve, in 2019 and 2021.
Another incident took place earlier this year, when there was a third sighting in nearby Yatton.
The identity of the person in the suit has long remained a mystery, even in spite of their repeat appearances. Who are they? What do they want? Why is a gimp suit their chosen outfit?
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These are all questions that have gone unanswered, but we could be one step closer to answering at least one of them following the arrest, which involved a man in his 30s.
The responding offers were told the man 'rolled around the floor' before walking off towards Cleeve Hill Road, and a dog unit and police helicopter were called in to assist in a search of the area.
Police ultimately detained the man on suspicion of causing a public nuisance, and he has since been released on bail.
Acting Insp Lee Kerslake, of the neighbourhood policing team, commented: "No-one has been physically harmed during any of these incidents but we know they have caused concern to the local community and we are determined to identify the individual or individuals responsible and stop them.
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"We continue to keep an open mind about the intentions of the man on Millier Road and whether the incident is linked to any others."
In the wake of this week's incident, Avon and Somerset Police have made the decision to carry out extra patrols in the area. Anyone who is concerned is being encouraged to speak to a police officer.
In keeping with his bail conditions, the man must remain home between 9pm and 6am and present to a police officer on request.
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Emily Brown