Rail line between Shenfield and Ingatestone, Ingatestone

On a train chugging between Shenfield and Ingatestone in Essex, a commuter got more than he bargained for on his journey from London Liverpool Street to Clacton. As the train rumbled along the tracks, he spotted a hand seemingly appearing from thin air behind him. This was no ordinary hand - it looked Asian and was flailing about wildly, banging against his seat and coming perilously close to hitting his head. The commuter spun around, expecting to see someone frantically waving their arm, but what he saw was a white middle-aged man fast asleep in the seat behind, with hands that bore no resemblance to the one he'd just seen.

Footbridge at Ingatestone station, Ingatestone

The footbridge at Ingatestone station is where a rather unusual and unexplained phenomenon has been reported. A couple from London were making their way across the bridge when they heard heavy, disembodied footsteps. The sound was quite clear, apparently, and seemed to climb the stairs of the bridge and then descend down the other side, eventually trailing off further down the platform. It's not hard to imagine the surprise and perhaps a bit of fear that the couple must have felt on hearing these mysterious footfalls.

The Star Public House, Ingatestone

The Star Public House in Ingatestone, Essex, has a notorious reputation for paranormal activity, particularly a poltergeist that was reported back in 1956. Two sisters had booked a room for the night but didnt stay long after checking in. They claimed the lights in their room were turning on and off by themselves, and what really freaked them out was the door that just kept opening and closing on its own. It was an unsettling experience that led them to quickly pay their bill and leave.

Ingatestone Hall, Ingatestone

Ingatestone Hall has been the site of a rather unusual and intriguing encounter. In the eighteenth century, Bishop Petre was making his way along the Lime Walk when he was suddenly set upon by a group of attackers. Just as they were about to overpower him, a large black dog appeared seemingly out of nowhere and chased them off. The bishop was left shaken but unharmed, and as he brushed himself down, he realised the dog had vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

Ingatestone Hall, Ingatestone

Ingatestone Hall, a stunning example of Tudor architecture, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Katherine Grey. Her spirit is reportedly seen strolling along the picturesque lime walk, a serene and beautiful feature of the hall's gardens. The hall itself has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, and it's here that Lady Katherine's presence is most often felt. Caretakers have reported strange sightings of Sir William Petre, the hall's former owner, within the building's walls.

Road in the area, Aveley

Aveley, a small town in Essex, was the scene of a bizarre and unexplained event on 27 October 1974. A family of four, driving home, were abducted by a blue UFO. The occupants of the vehicle described the beings they encountered as four foot high, hairy creatures with large eyes and pointed ears. The family were held for three hours before being returned to their car, with no apparent harm or memory loss. This incident remains one of the most well-documented UFO abduction cases in British history.