Police seek cyclist who was wearing tartan cap - and nothing else

Police in Wiltshire have asked asked anyone who saw a man cycling round Devizes wearing nothing other than a tartan cap and rucksack to get in touch.

The man, described as aged in his late 20s or early 30s, was spotted riding along Quakers Walk from the direction of Roundway Gardens between 4.50 and 5.20pm last Tuesday 13 June.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “Whilst we understand that temperatures this week have been high, it is obviously not acceptable to remove all clothing whilst in a public place as this constitutes the offence of ‘outraging public decency’.

“Devizes Community Policing team are currently investigating this incident and would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this male in the Devizes area.

“Please contact the police non-emergency number on 101, quoting reference number 54170052961, alternatively you can report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers 0800 555 111, where details may be left, if you prefer.”

Despite the witness appeal, it’s possible the man may not have been committing an offence at all.

As the organisers of the World Naked Bike Ride in London last weekend pointed out, “contrary to popular belief, since the Sexual Offences Act 2003, in England nakedness is not illegal unless you are doing it intending to alarm or distress someone.”