The South Shields Poltergeist

The South Shields Poltergeist case represents one of the most dramatic poltergeist investigations of the 21st century. The phenomena, which terrorized a young family in North East England, was notable for its use of modern technology and the unusual, sometimes theatrical nature of its manifestations.

The Family

The events centered on a young couple, Marc and Marianne (surnames withheld), and their three-year-old son Robert. They lived in a terraced house in South Shields, a coastal town in Tyne and Wear, England.

The Beginning

The disturbances began in December 2005 with relatively mild phenomena:

• Objects moving from their usual positions
• Items disappearing and reappearing in strange locations
• Feelings of being watched
• Unusual sounds in the house

The family initially dismissed these occurrences but became increasingly concerned as events escalated.

The Escalation

Unlike classical poltergeist cases, the South Shields entity seemed to display a disturbing intelligence and even a dark sense of humor:

The Toy Bunny Incidents

The family’s son had several stuffed toy bunnies. These became the apparent focus of disturbing displays:

• Bunnies were found arranged in threatening poses
• One bunny was found sitting on a rocking horse, “riding” it in the child’s bedroom
• A bunny was discovered apparently “hung” by a cord from the bedroom curtain rail
• Bunnies appeared in sealed rooms

Physical Phenomena

• Heavy furniture moved by itself
• A computer chair was thrown at Marianne
• Water taps turned on by themselves
• Doors slammed repeatedly
• A heavy chest of drawers was found balanced impossibly on other furniture
• Objects flew through the air with force

The Attack on Robert

Most disturbingly, the three-year-old boy appeared to be targeted:

• Scratches appeared on his body
• He was pulled from his bed by unseen forces
• He reported seeing “a scary man” in his room
• He was found in places he couldn’t have reached alone

Technology-Based Phenomena

What set this case apart was the entity’s apparent use of modern technology:

Text Messages

The family received threatening text messages from an unknown number, including:

• “Going to die today”
• “I can see you”
• Messages that seemed to reference real-time events in the house

The phone number was untraceable, and the messages continued even when their phones were turned off or removed from the house.

Other Electronic Disturbances

• Television and electrical equipment turned on and off
• Unusual sounds were recorded on electronic devices
• Photographs captured apparent anomalies

The Investigation

Paranormal investigators Mike Hallowell and Darren Ritson were called to investigate the case. They documented:

• Over 100 separate incidents
• Physical evidence including scratches and moved objects
• Audio and visual recordings
• Witness statements from multiple individuals

Their investigation formed the basis for the book “The South Shields Poltergeist: One Family’s Fight Against an Invisible Intruder” (2008).

Witness Accounts

Multiple witnesses observed phenomena:

• Family members and friends
• Paranormal investigators
• Neighbors who reported disturbances

The investigators noted that the phenomena seemed to intensify when they were present, as if the entity was “showing off.”

Attempted Solutions

The family tried multiple approaches:

• Clergy were called to bless the house - phenomena intensified
• The family temporarily moved out - phenomena followed them
• Investigators attempted to communicate with the entity - it responded with increased activity
• Eventually, the family moved permanently

The Cessation

The poltergeist activity gradually decreased after the family relocated. Some residual activity was reported at their new home but nothing matching the intensity of the original events.

Skeptical Analysis

Critics have questioned:

• The lack of independent verification for some claims
• The theatrical nature of some manifestations
• The possibility of hoaxing by family members
• The commercial interest (a book was published about the case)

However, investigators maintain:

• They witnessed phenomena personally
• The family had no apparent motive to fabricate events
• The phenomena caused genuine distress and disruption to the family’s life
• Some events occurred under observed conditions

Significance

The South Shields case is notable for:

1. Modern context: One of the few well-documented poltergeist cases of the 21st century
2. Technology interaction: The use of text messages and electronics represents a new form of poltergeist activity
3. Comprehensive documentation: The investigators maintained detailed records
4. The intelligence factor: The entity seemed to display personality and intent beyond typical poltergeist activity

Legacy

The case has been featured in television programs and continues to be discussed in paranormal circles. It raises questions about whether poltergeist phenomena might evolve with technology, or whether such cases should be viewed more skeptically in an era when technological manipulation is more accessible.

The house on the unnamed street in South Shields has had subsequent tenants, with no public reports of continued activity.