Basingstoke police are appealing for witnesses after a half-dressed jogger shocked residents this morning.

A man wearing a high-vis jacket, trainers but nothing below the waist was spotted running along Beggarwood Lane.

In a video, shared to social media, the gentleman was seen running on the pavement when the person recording told him to cover himself up and put some trousers on.

The runner could then be seen pulling a pair of shorts from his pocket and putting them on.

Police say they are aware of the incident and are appealing for information. 

Basingstoke Gazette:

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary told the Gazette: “We are aware of the video of a man exposing himself whilst jogging on Beggarwood Lane, Basingstoke, and are appealing for any information.

“The incident happened at around 6.30am today (22 May).

“The man is described as being between 40 and 50-years-old, approximately 5ft 5in with an athletic build.

“He was also described as wearing a luminous running jacket, but his shorts had been removed and were believed to be in his jacket pocket.

“Anyone with information should phone 101, quoting the reference number 44200181524.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Members of the public took to social media to voice their concern.

Basingstoke Gazette:

One person wrote on Facebook: “At around 6.30am this morning when my partner was on his way to work this man was jogging on the side of the road on Beggarwood Lane towards Beggarwood Park (muted the video due to the bad language).

“I’m posting this just to warn others as I’m out jogging this early and always see others out, dog walkers, children being taken to school for walks etc.

“This is utterly disgusting.”

Another added: “Just seen a jogger jog past my house wearing a Yellow jacket and nothing on his bottom half at 6.25am jogging around Beggarwood Lane.”

What is the law on running in the nude? 

At common law it is an offence to do in public any act of a lewd, obscene or disgusting nature which outrages public decency. If conduct falls within the scope of a statutory offence, such as exposure contrary to section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (see above) it is better practice to charge that offence unless, exceptionally, the offence merits a higher penalty than that available in relation to the statutory offence. Outraging public decency is triable either way and there is no maximum penalty.

The requirement for the behaviour to 'outrage' public decency was said by Lord Simon in Knuller (Publishing, Printing and promotions) Ltd v DPP to: "go considerably beyond the susceptibilities of, or even shocking, reasonable people".

The circumstances surrounding the conduct will need to be carefully considered. Section 66 SOA is available and normally to be preferred where it is done with the intention to cause alarm and distress.

Nudity in public alone with no aggravating features is very unlikely to amount to this (or any other) offence.