A paranormal researcher has called on amateur ghost hunters to stop trespassing in 'haunted' graveyards and derelict buildings.
Richard Case has stressed the need for people to get the landowner's permission before embarking on spooky expeditions, and to be respectful of relatives whose loved ones died there.
Several channels dedicated to ghost-hunting have gained a huge following on YouTube, sharing footage from abandoned properties and creepy churchyards after dark.
Last month Bristol Live reported on eerie footage released by a group of urban explorers, who had filmed themselves searching for ghosts and underground tunnels at the old Bristol Royal Infirmary hospital.
Unite Students, which is currently redeveloping the site, said it had stepped up security in response as "derelict buildings and development sites are dangerous places".
Richard also raised concerns about safety, as well as the potential impact on friends and family of patients who died there.
The 55-year-old, who lives in Bedminster Down, describes himself as a ghost story researcher and a "bit of a sceptic".
He travels the world collecting stories about paranormal folklore and experiences, researching the history and analysing sightings to identify any scientific or psychological rationale.
'Graveyards are a no-no'
He said: "I believe there are certain areas that you just don't touch for ethical reasons - graveyards are a no-no for me.
"I work with many churches trying to stop people from going into their graveyards - there's been a lot of people trespassing in Arnos Vale [Cemetery] to ghost hunt and live streaming it, which is not really acceptable for families of people buried there.
"It's just common sense. Going into a graveyard and live-streaming it on social media can be really upsetting for relatives."
He described such behaviour as "absolutely abhorrent".
The dad-of-two added: "A lot of the amateur groups are giving a bad name to others, and it's dangerous as well [in derelict buildings].
"Some of them are really taking the Mickey."
Arnos Vale, considered to be one of the spookiest locations in Bristol as well as one of the most beautiful, is listed on several 'haunted' websites aimed at ghost hunters.
Adela Straughan, events and marketing manager at Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust, also discouraged people from ghost-hunting there.
She said: "Arnos Vale Cemetery is a charity - it’s a place of love, respect and care. We are proud to look after loved ones who are remembered here.
"We do not allow any activity of this nature and consider it to be trespass."
Richard, also known as The Ghost Challenger on Twitter, often stays overnight in supposedly haunted locations and said he understands the fascination with the paranormal.
However, he said it is important to be respectful and to ensure that consent has been given.
