The 55-year-old was arrested at his home after claims that women had been left startled by the antics of a naked man with a small pet dog.

After being questioned, the man was bailed and is due back at Peterlee police station today.

The Mail reported on Tuesday that police were left baffled by reports of a naked dog walker leaping out of bushes in front of the shocked women.

Officers called for anyone who may have known his identity to come forward.

A woman told the Mail she was concerned the actions may turn sinister.

Detective Constable Lee Blakelock, of Peterlee Police, said: "A 55-year-old man from Peterlee has been bailed and is due to return to the police station today.

"We are carrying out further inquiries."

The women had told how she saw a man with a small dog on a lead jump out of bushes near the subway on Essington Way, opposite East Durham and Houghall College, around 2am on Friday.