A children’s soft play area has apologised for hanging up realistic body bags for Halloween after shocked parents raised concerns.
The “body bags”, made to resemble human corpses, were covered in black plastic and tape reading “caution” and “danger” and hung by the soft play area at Rugrats and Halfpints in Cirencester.
One shocked parent who saw the decorations told Sky News of their shock, saying it was not appropriate for a soft play area for young children.
She told the broadcaster: "I went inside with my daughter.
"When I saw them I did a double take - surely that can't be what I think it is? I just didn't want to have to explain to my kid what they were.
"I spoke to some other parents after who were as shocked as I was that it was deemed appropriate. It's a great soft play, but that did shock me a bit!"
The venue, which describes itself on its website as “providing a safe, clean and stimulating environment, with the emphasis on fun", has since apologised over the decorations.
"This is the first time someone has brought it to our attention so of course due to this we will take them down immediately,” a spokesperson said.
"It wasn't to cause distress and we apologise this is how they have felt."
The centre’s website describes its venues as the “the UK's largest baby and toddler soft play area,” and says its Cirencester inside play park offers parents "a variety of different play areas and entertainment for your kids to get stuck in while you can enjoy our onsite cafe".
The site’s about page states: "Winner of the Travellers Choice Award 2022, Rugrats is committed to providing a safe, clean and stimulating environment, with the emphasis on fun.
"In essence, Rugrats and Half Pints is the soft play centre you have been waiting for."