Eerie photo of ‘monk’ captured at abbey during Retford paranormal group investigation

The unearthly image was captured as a screenshot by a viewer watching a live-streamed investigation of spectral activity at the 12th century building last week.

Retford Ghost Hunters member Rachel Parsons told how the face appeared as she and other members of the group called out to the ghosts of monks at the former monastery.

She said the face appeared from behind a door which would have led to the monks’ dining room.

Rachel, 48, who has taken part in paranormal investigations for 20 years, said: “It’s an amazing face with very chiseled cheekbones.

“It was only there for a few seconds then disappeared – I think whoever he was he was just wanting to know what we were doing.

“He looks to me to be only in his 30s or 40s but it was a hard life for monks - there was lots of disease and they died young.”

Mental health worker Rachel, who developed an interest in errant spirits after having ‘paranormal experiences’ as a young girl, described the image as ‘fantastic evidence’.

She said: “I grew up in a very religious family and so this kind of thing wasn’t encouraged but it gives people some comfort and belief that there may be an afterlife.”

Rachel, who said Retford Ghost Hunters’ approach to the paranormal was ‘respectful’, added: “We keep getting fantastic evidence so we must be sending out some positive energy.”

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