Holy tights! Hunt continues for Bradford's own Batman (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

'Bradman' brings burglary suspect to police station

7:00am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Hannah Postles, T&A Reporter

Holy sensation, Batman! Bradford appears to be the new Gotham City, with a caped crusader dishing out his own brand of justice on the city’s streets.

This CCTV picture shows Bradford’s own ‘Batman’ hand-delivering a suspect to officers at the city’s main Trafalgar House police station, before disappearing into the night as quickly as he appeared.

The wannabe superhero, dressed in the DC Comics character’s old-style outfit rather than the more recent Dark Knight incarnation, arrived at the Nelson Street station in the early hours of Monday, February 25, telling stunned police: “I’ve caught this one for you!”

The good citizens of Bradford may sleep a little easier tonight knowing police have a new weapon in their fight against crime – and perhaps may even see a bat signal shining in the night sky whenever trouble is brewing.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The person who brought the wanted man into the station was dressed in a full Batman outfit. His identity remains unknown.”

Within hours of the pictures being posted online, Batman became a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, with users speculating as to his real identity. News websites across the world also reported on the police’s encounter and a Twitter account was even set up by someone claiming to be Bradford’s Batman.

No police appeal has been mounted for Batman to come forward, leading to speculation he knows the suspect.

Yesterday, it emerged the man bought his costume from The Joke Shop in Kirkgate Market, with a receipt showing it was purchased at 12.30pm on Wednesday, February 20.

Owner Michael Relton said his sister and co-owner Kathryn Sutcliffe had sold him the outfit and he was adamant he wanted the ‘grey one’.

He said: “We normally sell the black, newer ones, but he said he wanted the grey one. We haven’t sold one of those for ages. It’s great to see Bradford in the news again for something so positive.”

After Batman’s visit to the police station, a 27-year-old man was arrested by officers on suspicion of burglary, fraud and breach of a court order and has since been charged with handing stolen goods and fraud-related offences. He is due to appear at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

e-mail: hannah.postles@telegraphandargus.co.uk

Twitter: @HannahP_TandA