In the heart of Gateshead, on Hedley Street, a bizarre incident took place in the spring of 1940 that would leave a lasting mark on the town's history. It began when a group of children, including five-year-old Robert Hall, claimed to have seen an egg-shaped flying object. What happened next was even more astonishing. The children encountered several strange figures, one of which resembled a short bigfoot, while another had a skeletal body and bat wings. These beings took a sample of Robert's blood before vanishing into thin air.

The following day, Robert was confronted by a short, grey-like alien. His screams brought his uncle to the scene, who, in a state of panic, killed the alien with a shovel. According to local legend, the alien's body was either buried in the nearby St Cuthbert's Churchyard or hidden within a secret room. This incident, often referred to as the 'Dead Alien' encounter, remains one of the most well-documented and intriguing UFO sightings in British history. The event has sparked much debate and speculation about extraterrestrial life and its implications.