Streaker was naked arachnophobe

US police investigating reports of a streaker say the culprit was a naked young man fleeing a spider in his bed.

Police in Albion, Illinois, received numerous calls about a man running naked through the streets, reports the Evansville Courier and Press.

Edwards County Sheriff Darby Boewe said that by the time police found the man he was back home and had put on some shorts.

The 20-year-old had been asleep after working a night shift at a local factory when he awoke to find a spider in his bed, reports the Evansville Courier and Press.

"He was apparently disoriented, ran out of his house through the glass storm door and cut his arms, a leg and a finger in the process," Sheriff Boewe said.

"Bleeding and without a stitch of clothes on, neighbours spotted him running around North Fourth and East Poplar Street around 11am."

An ambulance was called to take the victim to hospital for treatment of cuts to his arms and legs from broken glass.

"I don't believe any drugs or alcohol was involved," Sheriff Boewe added. "I just think he was sleeping in the nude and was really disoriented from waking up to find a spider in his bed."