Bizarre Bolton Incident: Semi-Naked Driver Flees Crash Scene Without Trousers
In a scene that could have been lifted straight from a classic television comedy sketch, a bald-headed man was captured on video trotting along a Greater Manchester road in his socked feet with his bare bottom exposed for all to see. The surreal footage, which quickly went viral on social media platforms, shows the individual allegedly running away from the location of a significant three-car accident last month, conspicuously lacking his trousers during the entire escape attempt.
The Unusual Escape and Viral Footage
The video evidence, originally posted on Facebook, depicts the unnamed man dressed solely in a black T-shirt and socks, clutching what appears to be his trousers in one hand as he jogs along Wigan Road in Bolton. His demeanour is furtive, with repeated glances over his shoulder, while a seemingly perplexed Weimaraner dog observes the peculiar spectacle from the roadside. The man eventually disappears into a nearby patch of woodland, presumably in an effort to conceal his modesty after the very public display.
As the camera pans across the scene, a white hatchback car can be seen apparently abandoned with its driver's door wide open at the junction with Beaumont Road. Two other vehicles, showing clear signs of a collision, are positioned nearby, confirming the serious nature of the incident that preceded the unusual escape. Additional footage shared online appears to show the white car involved in the accident after reportedly jumping through a red light on January 17th, adding further context to the chaotic events.
Social Media Speculation and Local Reaction
The bizarre incident sparked a wave of hilarious speculation and commentary across social media channels, with cheeky users proposing various theories about the man's potential activities prior to the crash. Among the most popular rumours circulating online were suggestions that the individual had been forced to make a hasty exit after being discovered in a compromising situation, with one specific claim alleging he was "caught with his lover by her furious husband."
Local residents confirmed to reporters that the clip of the semi-naked driver achieved viral status almost immediately after being posted. One neighbour quipped with characteristic northern humour, "Only in Bolton," while others joked that the man's behaviour was so embarrassing that "even his dog disowned him." Another local observer remarked on the rapid dissemination of the footage, noting, "The video appeared on social media within minutes of it happening, it was almost like watching a live feed of what was going on. Different videos from different angles kept appearing."
Concerns initially circulated that the individual might have been engaging in indecent exposure, but these were quickly overshadowed by the more colourful rumours about marital indiscretions. One resident summarised the local sentiment, stating, "At first we were concerned he was a flasher, then there were loads of rumours he'd been up to no good with another man's wife and the husband had come home, so he'd had to leg it quickly. It's not something you see every day."
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the three-car collision. A spokesman for the force provided an update on the case, revealing, "Mark Richards, 48, of Skelmersdale, Lancashire, has been charged with failure to provide specimen. He has been bailed and is due to appear at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates on 4 March 2026."
The incident, while providing ample material for online amusement and local gossip, ultimately represents a serious traffic matter that authorities are treating with appropriate diligence. The combination of the unusual escape, the viral social media response, and the subsequent police action has created a memorable chapter in Bolton's recent history, demonstrating how modern technology can transform local incidents into national talking points within moments.
