A grandmother claims she is being haunted by a poltergeist who gropes her as she tries to sleep. Doris Birch, 73, of Herne Bay, began experiencing the nocturnal disturbances in her flat four months ago. She said: "It's like an octopus. I was lying in bed when I felt this creepy pair of hands. I kicked frantically and it went away. "I've tried sleeping without the duvet. I even threw the mattress off the bed and bought a new one but it has made no difference. "This is very creepy and is giving me the jitters. It's harassing me. I need to call in the Ghostbusters." Mrs Birch, who lives alone, says she has consulted a vicar who believes the disturbances are being caused by a 'lost spirit', according to the Canterbury Times. Methodist Minister Hugh-Nigel Sheehan of the nearby United Church confirmed he had been approached by Mrs Birch but had been unable to help. But local husband-and-wife ghost hunting team Ray and Beryl Herne have offered to send the poltergeist packing. Mr Herne, a medium, says he will draw the ghost into him while his wife will capture it in a 'vortex of light' and send it to the 'other side'.