The Fire-Breathing Figure No One Ever Caught

In 1837 reports began emerging across London of a figure unlike anything anyone had seen before. Spring Heeled Jack — as he came to be known — was described as tall and thin with clawed hands, glowing red eyes and a tight fitting white oilskin suit. He could jump impossible distances. He breathed blue and white flame directly into the faces of his victims. He attacked women in the street, tearing at their clothing with metal claws. Reports came from across England — London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield. Witnesses included police officers, soldiers and a Lord Mayor. The sightings continued for over 60 years. The last reported sighting was in 1904. He was never caught. Never identified. Never explained. Nobody has ever agreed on what he was.

Interesting Fact In 1838 a woman named Jane Alsop answered her door to a figure claiming to be a police officer who needed a light. When she returned he breathed flame in her face and tore at her with metal claws. Her sisters dragged her inside. He jumped over the garden wall and vanished. Her testimony was taken by police. The case was never solved.

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