Witham nudist: 'Nothing wrong with the human body'

The identity of an infamous naked rambler who has caused a stir over the last week after walking the streets in his birthday suit, can now be revealed.

Alan O'Conner, 30, of Chipping Hill, Witham, stunned members of the public when he was seen strolling in the afternoon sun wearing nothing but a pair of black boots.

His naked antics sparked calls to the police as shocked residents spotted him pushing the boundaries of public decency in and around Chipping Hill and Spring Lodge. Social media was deluged with posts about the mystery long-haired man with a ginger beard baring all and brazenly walking towards White Notley last Wednesday.

Frazer Merton, 20, from Witham, captured the naturist on camera near Honeysuckle Way. He said: "I was just extremely shocked by what I saw and couldn't believe it. It's not something you'd expect to see.

"I'm surprised he is still walking around half naked like it's normal. I've seen him a few times in short shorts and a tight vest and thought it was slightly weird, every time I see him he seemed to be wearing less and less clothing."

But Mr O'Conner says he did not set out to upset anyone, and is planning on keeping his clothes on in future.

He said: "I now realise that civilisation requires sticking to certain conventions – whether or not we as individuals agree with them – such as wearing clothes. Most people I know and most people I have met go out of their way to stick to the rules – I have never been that way, and I suppose this was the ultimate expression of that.

"However, I understand now that you sometimes have to make sacrifices to be part of society, even if personally I don't think there is anything wrong with the human body."

He said that he only removed all of his clothes on one occasion – while walking along an out-of-town road – but admits that he was preparing to once again go au naturel before noticing police officers parked nearby were watching him, and thinking better of it.

On other occasions he has taken to the streets of Witham in a thong or leotard in an attempt to assert his individuality.

In a statement issued last week, a police spokesman said: "Whilst we have not received any official complaints, we are aware of this man and his behaviour.

"We will be monitoring any activities. If anybody sees him walking around naked please contact police on 101."

Former Reading University student Mr O'Conner said he is a fan of the "Naked Rambler", Stephen Gough, who has spent a total of six years in prison after refusing to comply with court orders to remain clothed in public, although Mr O'Conner has no plans to take things that far.

He said: "I don't think it's worth doing it again – I haven't done it again so far, and probably won't.

"If we lived in an alternate universe where people were fine with the human body then I would probably walk around naked all the time, but seeing as we don't live in that universe I will probably keep my clothes on in public from now on, or at least head out away from areas where other people will be."