Police are investigating reports that a naked man performed a lewd act while "doing laps" of an unofficial nudist area at Botany Bay in Broadstairs, Kent, after shocked sunbathers complained about his "disturbing" behaviour.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 28, between 12:30pm and 3pm, when a middle-aged man was allegedly seen trying to draw attention to himself by repeatedly walking around the beach and engaging in indecent acts when others looked at him.
Witness Describes Disturbing Encounter
One witness described the experience on social media, saying they had been enjoying the picturesque setting when they noticed the man acting strangely. "Everyone kept to themselves, except this one loner who was just sat a bit higher up in the grassy part," they said. "He'd get up and do laps around everyone and - not discreetly in the slightest - was waiting for someone to look at him and he'd entertain himself - to put it mildly."
The witness added: "It was quite disturbing and indecent to say the least. I wasn't really sure what to do and I had no service on my phone to call the police." They described the suspect as tall and tanned with dark blonde hair, aged approximately 45 to 55.
Unofficial Nudist Area with Long History
Botany Bay, known as "the most photographed beach in the UK" for its iconic chalk stacks and clear water, is not a council-designated naturist space. However, an area of shore and dunes between the main beach and Foreness Point has been used as an unofficial nudist beach for decades.
The beach has also served as a film set for Doctor Who and the 2021 movie The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy.
Police Investigation Underway
Kent Police confirmed they received a report of indecent exposure on Botany Bay Clifftop. A spokesperson said: "A man was reportedly seen acting inappropriately between 12.30pm and 3pm on Sunday, June 28. An investigation is underway, and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/105240/26."
This incident follows a separate case in Bournemouth, where a man was allegedly seen performing an "indecent act" in a public toilet on Milburn Road around 1:15pm on April 14. Police Constable Conor Tuley of Dorset Police said: "We are continuing to investigate this incident and have obtained an image of a man we would like to identify as part of our enquiries."
