One of the most significant cases in the last fifty years, The South Shields Poltergeist is a true and terrifying account detailing a family’s brave fight against an invisible intruder.

This intense, protracted and well-documented encounter spanning 2005–06 is said to be one of the best cases of its kind, and is certain to go down in the annals of psychical research. Objects moved on their own, carving knives were thrown around, coins appeared in mid-air before being thrown to the floor, sinister text messages were sent by the poltergeist, apparitions were seen, and a number of physical assaults took place on one unfortunate householder. Now, fifteen years on, this new and updated edition includes the original case review, which was first published in the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research in 2010. It contains a preface by Alan Murdie, and a new chapter that was originally omitted from previous editions.

Based on the testimonies of those who experienced it first hand, The South Shields Poltergeist is a chilling reminder that reality is not what we think it is.

‘Books about poltergeist cases written by those who were there and witnessed some of the action are very rare. Investigators who witnessed as much as Mike and Darren did and manage to record a great deal of evidence are even rarer. This book is a welcome addition to the literature on the most bewildering phenomena we are ever likely to encounter.’

‘If events happened as alleged, it was reasoned there would be a considerable quantity of documentary, photographic and other evidence available that would be consistent with the claims made in the book. This proved to be the case – I am of the opinion the South Shields poltergeist joins a small but significant collection of spontaneous cases where credible evidence has been obtained by investigators whilst disturbances were still occurring.’

Darren W. Ritson is a prolific author who has had an interest in the paranormal for most of his life. Darren founded the North East Ghost Research Team in May 2003 and continues to investigate, write and interview witnesses in his endless quest for answers about ghosts and haunting. He lives in North Tyneside.