Bob Taylor / Dechmont Law Incident (1979).
documentedclose_encounterRendlesham Forest (RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge)
Forestry worker Robert 'Bob' Taylor reported a dome-shaped craft and tethered spheres near Dechmont Law, Livingston, West Lothian on 9 Nov 1979. Found injured with torn clothing; police logged it as a common assault — the only UK UFO case treated as a criminal investigation. Ground traces were recorded.
Taylor said a 'flying dome' appeared in a forest clearing and that smaller mine-like spheres seized him; he smelled burning and lost consciousness. He walked home dishevelled with grazes and ripped trousers. Lothian and Borders Police investigated and recorded ladder-like ground marks and ~32-40 small circular holes. The cause is unexplained; skeptics propose an epileptic seizure, mini-stroke, or misperception of a water tower. A commemorative plaque is maintained by West Lothian Council.