POLICE were called after several sightings of a naked man taking a stroll in Mellor Brook yesterday morning.

Concerned people alerted officers after spotting the man crossing Preston New Road, close to Yew Tree Drive at around 11.45am.

One Facebook user said: "On Monday at 11.45am I was driving on Preston New Road from Mellor Brook towards Blackburn.

"Just before Yew Tree Drive a naked man crossed the road in front of my car and walked onto the left hand side on the pavement also heading towards Blackburn.

"I rang 999 from my car and later in the day I emailed the police because I was worried about him."

A spokesperson from the police said that they had received several worried calls from the public about a naked man who was seen walking down the street.

The spokesperson said: "We received several calls around the same time from concerned members of the public who had said they'd seen a naked man walking close to Yew Tree Drive.

"Officers attended the scene but could not locate the man."

Rumour has been circulating that the man could possibly be the elusive Naked Rambler, although this has yet to be confirmed.

The same Facebook user said: "The police replied to my email saying they had received several calls about him and they had looked for him but could not find him.

"They had to stop looking and return to other duties.

"How could he just vanish, there are no houses in that area?

"I think this was very odd and I am still concerned about him."

Anyone with more information should contact the police on 101.