Witches, zombies and ghosts reported to police

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28415527

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More than 70 reports of zombies, witches and ghosts have been made to West Midlands Police over the past three years.

Figures revealed by a Freedom of Information (FOI) request show the force was contacted about 15 ghosts, 55 witches, and a pair of zombies.

Birmingham East had the most reported paranormal activity, with the least in Birmingham South.

The figures show a year-on-year increase in reported incidents.

There were 17 in 2011, 24 in 2012 and 30 in 2013.

Although all other categories were reported every year, zombies only made an appearance in 2013.

'Deeply-troubled individual'

Force spokesman Billy Corrigan said: "The reports include ghost, zombie and witch sightings; hearing and communicating with the aforementioned; the use of witchcraft; claims to be a witch; and witch-hunters.

"I have not included items such as 'she called me a witch', or 'he was in a zombie-like state.'"

He said that while the figures could seem amusing, behind some of the calls may be "a deeply-troubled individual".

Six of the reports were categorised as "malicious" and Mr Corrigan said West Midlands Police always took action against people who knowingly made nuisance calls to the emergency services.

Over the same period there were 19 calls to the force about sightings of UFOs.

The FOI request was submitted anonymously.