Why naked man was seen running around near Chelmsford College

A NAKED man seen outside Chelmsford College was not a flasher and was suffering a mental health crisis, police have confirmed.

Concerns were raised on local Facebook groups after a man was seen to undress near the college while it was open on Tuesday, September 15 2026.

One posted: "Does anyone know anything about a man walking around Chelmsford past the college earlier today naked?

"I'm just concerned if he was okay as it obviously doesn't happen everyday."

Another wrote: "My son saw him. He got arrested, but running around naked with a XXXXXX isn't expected."

It is understood he was initially arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure then later released and placed in the care of mental health professionals.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a man undressed in Chelmsford.

"Officers attended and detained a man where it was established he was experiencing a mental health crisis and was left in the care of medical professionals."