Guildford streaker runs naked through Friary Shopping Centre 'with his bangers and mash hanging out'

Police in Surrey have detained a man under the Mental Health Act after he ran naked through the Friary Shopping Centre in Guildford on a busy Saturday afternoon (18 November).

Witnesses described the man, who is in his 20s, running loops round the mall, which was busy with shoppers in the build up to the key festive season.

He was eventually tackled to the ground and taken to the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, Get Surrey reported.

One witness said on Twitter: "Can't believe some bloke was doing laps around Guildford shopping centre completely naked. Got chased by the police and tackled to the turf.

"A bloke was running around the Friary centre with his bangers and mash hanging out. There's literally nothing else to add."

A photo posted on Twitter showed the man, who has bleached blonde hair, completely naked without any footwear or socks. One shopper appears to be turning her back on the man and what resembles a pushchair is in the background.

The Friary Shopping Centre is home to dozens of high street stores including Zara, Superdry, River Island and Urban Outfitters. News of the incident emerged on Facebook, with many onlookers in disbelief at what they thought was a prank.

A statement from Surrey Police said: "The man, who is in his 20s, was detained by officers shortly afterwards under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and taken to the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford."

A spokesperson for the shopping centre declined the opportunity to comment on the incident.