999! A ghost is chasing me… and even the law is spooked.
Police couldn’t believe it when a terrified 999 caller pleaded: Help! I’m being attacked by a ghost! PC Bob Corrick dashed to the rescue – but even his long arm of the law trembled when he saw: Windows, furniture and floor vibrating for no apparent reason; A painting crash suddenly to the floor. Finally there came the sound of a heavy man bounding up the stairs of Barry Oaten’s 80-year-old house in Maxwell Street, Taunton, Somerset. But no one came through the door, and no one was found in the house, despite a top-to-bottom search.
Still nervous at the thought of his ordeal, Bob, 22, said later: “There were a lot of things going on in that house that I couldn’t rationally explain.” Now police have promised to launch a special ghostbuster patrol if the restless spirit returns to Barry’s home.
A baffled spokesman said: “It’s the first time we’ve received a call like this. Understandably, Mr Oaten was a little concerned about what was happening. We entered it as a ‘strange occurrence’ in the log book and told him to call us again if need be.”
Daily Mirror, 15th November 1985.