THE fascinating history of Bradford’s criminal past will be uncovered in a Christmas ghost tour at the city’s Police Museum.

The event - which includes an appearance from notorious Victorian burglar ‘Chains Charlie’ - is described as “a spine-chilling exclusive evening tour of the Bradford Police Museum, through the Victorian Court and cells”.

Visitors will have chance to see Chains Charlie in the dock of the old courtroom and hear eyewitnesses give accounts of some of the strange events that have taken place in City Hall.

Previous ghost tours organised by the Police Museum have sold out quickly, drawing visitors from around the UK - including Peaky Blinders fans keen to see the old cells beneath City Hall, where scenes for the hit TV drama were filmed.

Says museum director Martin Baines: “Discover the fascinating secrets that lie within one of Bradford’s most haunted buildings. Experience a unique evening in Bradford’s Police Museum where you will gain a fascinating insight into the history of Victorian policing in the district, on the site of the original 19th century police station and courthouse which operated for a century in the heart of the city.

“Are you prepared to join us in Bradford’s City Hall to hear more about the history of the legendary Chains Charlie and the sinister characters from Bradford’s past?

“Hear about the paranormal events that have been experienced by guides, visitors, security and police officers over the years; such as cold spots, flying objects, computer malfunctions, equipment infestations, foul smells, orbs and phantom figures caught on camera or glimpsed on the edge of vision.

“Hear author Les Vasey, local historian, a former senior police officer, and a member of the Society for Psychical Research, tell the story of ‘Chains Charlie’ a former prisoner who was allegedly tortured in the cells and executed for murder in 1888 - the same year that Jack the Ripper stalked the streets of London.”

Ghosts which visitors to the museum claim to have seen include an eight-year-old girl, charged with stealing milk in the 19th century, who is said to appear sitting on a bench in one of the cells. “People have spoken of being poked in the ribs if they have sat in that spot,” says Martin. “It’ can be quite spooky down here, if I’m ever here on my own, I just talk to the ghosts, and treat them with compassion. In Victorian times the prisoners here were often children, caught for stealing things like bread or a coat, and were treated very harshly.”

* The ghost tour - which features a ‘lantern-lit lock in’, with an evening tour of the museum, old courts and cells - is at Bradford Police Museum is on Thursday, November 30 from 7pm-9.30pm.

To book tickets go to eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-legendary-bradford-police-museum-ghost-tour