Paranormal investigators get spirited reception from cell

The team of ten spent two nights at Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth, Devon, following reports of hauntings.

The investigation focused on the hangman’s cell, where 141 French prisoners-of-war were said to have been executed, as well as at the 18th-century Master Ropemaker’s House.

The cell contains what is believed to be the only remaining working gallows in Britain, and was reportedly the scene of numerous executions during the Napoleonic Wars.

One of the team, Barbara Jones, from Abercynon, South Wales, said yesterday they finished their vigil at 5am.

She said the team of ten all believed "beyond any degree of doubt" that they had detected paranormal activity at the base.

The hangman’s cell was paranormally "very active," particularly below the hatch through which those hanged dropped.

There were changes in temperature in the cell, she said.

Underneath the hatch they had picked up activity relating to "one particular person".

She said she could "quite understand" reports of police and security staff being "spooked" patrolling in the area and "legging it".

Although they did not see any ghosts, they had "very good" photographic evidence, yet to be analysed, which had them "jumping up and down".

"It has been very interesting, and there are many areas on the base which my team would like to come back and help with," she added.

Earlier, team leader Carole Bromley from West Drayton, Middlesex, said she had already seen a ghostly young girl and "quite a few figures" on the base.

The paranormal researchers brought toys and blackboards for child ghosts to play with.

They also set up objects, including a made-up bed, balls, marbles and furniture in an attempt to detect poltergeists.

Their report is expected to be submitted to RN Commander Charles Crichton in the next few weeks.