The Ratman of Southend explained

The Ratman of Southend is an English urban legend originating in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.[1] The story of the Ratman tells of an old homeless man, who while seeking shelter from the cold in an underpass, was set upon by a group of youths and beaten to near-death. The cold and blood loss finished his life. As he died, the numerous vermin who inhabit the area gathered, and were found to have devoured his face. After this, a ghostly figure was spotted in the underpass, with people hearing ratlike squealing, and scraping, as if large claws were moving across the walls.[2]

In popular culture

A short film about the Ratman of Southend, directed by Michael Holiday, was entered in 2019 during the annual Horror-on-Sea film festival in Southend.[3]

In 2020, Afterlight Comics published Folktales of the Cryptids Vol. 2.[4] An anthology revolving around different folkloric creatures, in which the Ratman is included.

External links

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Notes and References

  1. Book: Gordon, Dee. Haunted Southend. 1 January 2012. The History Press. .
  2. Web site: Stuff Brits Like: A Guide to What's Great about Great Britain. Fraser. McAlpine. 24 June 2014. Nicholas Brealey Publishing. 5 June 2017. Amazon.
  3. Web site: Blazing Minds interview with film director Michael Holiday. 9 December 2018 . 9 December 2018.
  4. Web site: FolkTales Of The Cryptids Vol. 2. 2021-05-21. 2022-06-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20220616181101/https://www.afterlightcomics.com/comics/folktales-of-the-cryptids-vol-2. dead.