The South Shields Poltergeist

The South Shields poltergeist case of 2005-2006 represents one of the most violent and psychologically sophisticated poltergeist cases in recent British history. The entity that plagued a family in this northeastern English town seemed to possess intelligence, learning capabilities, and a malicious sense of purpose.

The Family

A young couple, Marc and Marianne (pseudonyms), lived in a house in South Shields with Marianne’s three-year-old son Robert. In December 2005, they began experiencing bizarre phenomena. Toys moved on their own. Chairs stacked themselves. Doors opened and closed without cause.

The activity escalated rapidly and took on a disturbing character. The entity seemed particularly interested in the child, moving his toys around and, on one occasion, seemingly placing him in dangerous situations.

The Messages

Unlike most poltergeist cases, the South Shields entity communicated through written messages. Words appeared scratched into surfaces or spelled out with magnetic letters on the refrigerator. The messages were often threatening, including “RIP,” “Go die,” and references to killing the family.

The entity appeared to use modern technology, sending threatening text messages to Marc’s mobile phone from unknown numbers. When Marc changed his phone number, the messages continued to arrive.

Physical Violence

The poltergeist attacked the family members physically. Marc was slashed across the neck by an unseen blade. Marianne was struck by flying objects. The attacks left visible injuries that were photographed and documented.

Objects were thrown with considerable force. On one occasion, a water-filled bottle struck Marianne so hard it left a significant bruise. The entity seemed to take pleasure in terrifying and hurting the family.

Investigation

Paranormal investigators Mike Hallowell and Darren Ritson documented the case extensively. They witnessed objects moving, received threatening messages, and experienced attacks themselves. Their book about the case provides detailed documentation of the phenomena.

Resolution

The family eventually moved away from the house in late 2006. The activity did not follow them to their new location. The case remains one of the most disturbing examples of an apparently intelligent and malicious poltergeist in modern British history.