In a bizarre incident that has captured widespread attention, a man was caught on camera fleeing the scene of a car crash in Bolton while completely bare-bottomed, wearing nothing but a t-shirt and socks. The video, which quickly went viral with nearly a million views on Facebook, shows the suspect jogging away from a three-way vehicle collision, holding his trousers and glancing back at the abandoned white car at the junction of Wigan Road.
Viral Footage Sparks Local Speculation
The eye-opening footage reveals the man hurriedly escaping from the crash site, with a Weimaraner dog appearing bewildered as the suspect tiptoes into nearby woods in just his socks before vanishing from view. Locals in Bolton have reacted with amusement and curiosity, with many commenting that such a naked escape could 'only happen in Bolton'. The video was originally posted on January 17, prompting demands for answers and sparking wild theories among viewers.
Community Theories and Police Response
Social media speculation ran rampant, with one commenter suggesting the man might have been running in terror after being 'caught with his lover by her furious husband'. Others expressed concern that he could have been a flasher, while rumours circulated about potential marital indiscretions leading to his hasty departure. One neighbour told the Daily Mail that different videos from various angles kept appearing, but the man's identity remained unclear as only his backside was visible, fortunately without any close-ups.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed making an arrest following the collision. A spokesman stated: 'Mark Richards, 48, of Skelmersdale, Lancashire, has been charged with failure to provide a specimen. He has been bailed and is due to appear at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates on 4 March 2026.' The police response underscores the seriousness of the incident despite its comical elements.
Broader Context and Public Reaction
The incident has become a talking point in Bolton, with residents noting it's not something seen every day. The viral nature of the video highlights how quickly such events can spread on social media, with nearly a million views demonstrating significant public interest. This case follows other recent incidents in Greater Manchester, including a light aircraft crash and a shooting in Manchester's Gay Village, though the bare-bottomed escape stands out for its unusual nature.
As the suspect awaits his court appearance, the video continues to circulate online, serving as a reminder of both the unpredictability of road incidents and the power of social media in documenting them. The combination of a car crash, a partially clothed escape, and viral fame has created a unique story that has left Bolton residents and online viewers alike both entertained and perplexed.
