Reports of a naked man walking down the A19 sparked a police response in Sunderland this afternoon (Friday, May 26). 

According to eyewitnesses, a man who was naked, bar a black balaclava, was seen walking along the A19 after climbing down from a bridge above the southbound carriageway of the road. 

Northumbria Police have confirmed that there were called to the scene to perform a welfare check on the man after receiving reports from the public, but officers were unable to locate him when they arrived. 

For more quality journalism, subscribe to The Northern Echo for £1.50 a week here. 

A Force spokesperson said: “Shortly before 3pm today police received a report of concern for a man on the A19 southbound.

“It was reported a naked man was walking near the junction with the A183.

“Police attended the scene to locate the man and check on his welfare, but he had already left the area.”