The Flailing Hand Phantom
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.
Digging deeper into this bizarre incident from March 2006, it's clear that the commuter's experience left him shaken. The fact that the hand seemed to appear out of nowhere and then vanished as quickly, leaving behind a seemingly oblivious passenger, adds to the enigma. While there's no concrete historical context to draw from, the incident bears the hallmarks of a classic paranormal manifestation. The witness's account is all the more credible given the ordinary nature of his journey and the lack of any apparent motive for fabrication.
The rail line has been in operation since the 19th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ingatestone Station Footbridge Footsteps
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.
Fryerning Pond Ghostly Apparitions
Pond, Fryerning
Fryerning Pond, a tranquil spot in rural Essex, is said to be haunted by the restless spirits of a local man and a witch. Both are believed to have met their demise at the pond, but under very different circumstances. The man's death was likely an accident, while the witch's fate is shrouded in mystery. Locals claim that on certain evenings, you can see the ghostly apparitions of both individuals near the pond's edge.
The Star Public House Poltergeist
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.
Mysterious Black Dog of Ingatestone
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.
Ghosts of Ingatestone Hall
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.
Aveley UFO Abduction
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Rail line between Shenfield and Ingatestone

Down Hall Hotel
Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

The Green Man
Harlow, Essex

The Blue Boar Hotel
Maldon, Essex

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent