POLICE searched a beauty spot after stunned passers-by spotted a naked hiker.

Sussex Police searched Devil's Dyke on Monday afternoon after reports that a 50-year-old man had been seen on the South Downs without any clothes on.

Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Darren Taylor said: “Some of the team carried out an area search yesterday, at about 4pm due to reports from members of the public that there was a naked man, about 50 years of age, hiking near to Devil’s Dyke, wearing only a cap, hiking boots and a rucksack.

“No sign of the male in question though.”

According to the BBC, it not an offence to be naked in public in England and Wales.

However, it becomes an offence if it can be proved the person stripped off with the intention to upset and shock. The complainant has to prove this.

On top of this, a person can be found guilty under Section Five of the Public Order Act 1986, which deals with “disorderly behaviour” that could cause someone harassment, alarm or distress.

Naturist Ramblers – a group of people who like to hike naked – plan to visit the county several times this year.

According to their website, subject to coronavirus restrictions, the naked trekkers will be walking 6.5 miles over the Rother Levels in November.

And, weather permitting, the uncovered roamers will be celebrating Christmas in the Brightling area of East Sussex with a seven mile walk on December 22.

Naked walks in Salehurst and Sussex Weald were cancelled earlier this year due to the pandemic.