Parents demand action after disturbing incident at Elswick Park on a warm afternoon.
Residents in Newcastle were left shocked and outraged after a man was seen sunbathing completely naked in Elswick Park while children and families were present.
Witnesses say the man, believed to be in his 40s, was lying unclothed on the grass near the central play area around 2:30 p.m., in full view of shocked parents and young children enjoying the warm spring weather.
“There were so many kids around – my own two were playing just metres away,” said Sarah Atkinson, a mother of two.
“It’s not just inappropriate, it’s disturbing. We shouldn’t have to shield our children’s eyes in a public park.”
Concerned families quickly reported the incident to police, and officers were seen speaking to the man.
It is not currently known whether any action was taken.
Many parkgoers expressed their disbelief and frustration.
“At first I thought it was a joke or some sort of prank,” said local resident Davey Robson.
“But the guy was just lying there like he was on a private beach.
It made people really uncomfortable.”
The incident has sparked a flurry of discussion in local online community groups, with parents and residents calling for tougher enforcement of public decency laws.
Elswick Park, located in the heart of Newcastle’s west end, is a well-loved community space popular with families, fitness groups, and dog walkers.
The incident has left many questioning whether more needs to be done to protect public spaces and ensure a safe environment for all visitors.
Northumbria Police have not yet released an official statement, but anyone with information is urged to contact them on 101.