Spring~Heeled Jack

Spring~Heeled Jack appeared out of the dark alleyways of 19th century London, attacking his unfortunate victims with dreadful scratches and cuts then leaping away with almost a superhuman ability before he could be caught.
The case of Spring~Heeled Jack, as this mysterious creature came to be known, is one of the most puzzling to have come out of Victorian Britain (and there have been more than a few) and it has never been solved or explained. According to most accounts, the attacks began in 1837 in west London. Polly Adams, a barmaid was one of three women accosted by Spring~Heeled Jack in the September of that year. According to Ms Adams he ripped her blouse off and scratched at her stomach and legs with iron~like fingernails or claws.
His victims painted a strange portrait of the fiend ~

Definately man-like, but with a cruel face
Has sharp iron-like fingernails
Is tall, thin and quite powerful
Glowing fiery eyes
Has the ability to spit blueish flames from his mouth
Wears a black cloak over a tight white oilskin suit
May have worn a helmet at times
Is somehow able to jump incredible heights and distances


Spring~Heeled Jack at work

The attacks continued into 1838, prompting official action by the Lord Mayor of London who declared him a public menace. Vigilante groups also tried to capture Jack but without any success. Rumors of sightings went on well into 1870. He was said to have frightened people with his ghoulish appearance (probably be labelled a 'goth' today) and often leapt away to the astonishment anyone who attempted to arrest him.
But however nasty and shocking were these attacks, Spring~Heeled Jack never killed or seriously harmed anyone, with exception of a teenager, Lucy Scales, who was blinded temporarily by the searing blue flames Jack spewed into her no doubt startled face.

Who or what was Spring-Heeled Jack? A superhuman diabolical madman? An alien? A demon? Chances are we will never know, hell he might even still be out there. Watching YOU.