Police hunting 'Pig Man' arrest suspect on suspicion of racism

Police hunting a man dressed in a pig mask who has been terrifying schoolchildren have arrested a suspect on suspicion of racism.

Pupils have been left too frightened to walk to class after the creepy suspect jumped out at them in the street.

Chilling footage captured the odd-ball walking by school children at The Chase School Malvern, Worcs.

Teachers wrote to parents warning them about the man and urging them to report any incidents to police.

Following an appeal, West Mercia Police confirmed a 55-year-old man from the town had been arrested on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence.

There are also reports of the offender, branded "Pig Man" by locals, outside Great Malvern Primary School.

Full-time mum Stacey Lee, 31, from Malvern, Worcs., said her 11-year-old daughter Misha is now too scared to walk to school.

She said: "My daughter Misha took a video when she was walking back from school on her own on November 27.

"I thought it might've been a one-off, but he was back outside the school yesterday. She sent the video to me on WhatsApp concerned saying 'there's a man in a pig hat.'

"She'd only just started walking to school and she's stopped now. We collected her today because she's scared.

'I rang the police straight away but they weren't interested'

"Yesterday he was jumping in front of kids and throwing his arms out to scare them.

"I rang the police straight away but they weren't interested. They said 'That sounds bizarre, just talk to the school about it.'

"They didn't even ask which schools my children went to. I thought that was appalling."

Residents have also expressed their fears of Pig Man on social media and criticised the force for not acting sooner to protect the children.

Stacey Dooley wrote on Facebook: "Not only is it scaring children it's also scaring parents."

Gemma Phillips added: "Someone needs to stop him! Very creepy behaviour. Police should be dealing with it not waiting. Ridiculous."

David Denny put: "Pig Man is the talk of all my daughter's friends. It might sound like a harmless prank but it is seriously frightening young girls and it's just wrong, creepy and
weird."

Lynne Williams posted: "With all that's happened in recent days, I can't believe the police aren't interested in this!!! Bonkers beyond belief."

Paul Webb wrote: "I am walking my kids to school and picking them up."

'Approaching students on their way home'

An email sent to Chase School parents said: "We have been notified by several students and parents of a man acting strangely outside school yesterday.

"The man was wearing a full pig mask and approaching students on their way home.

"The police are aware and are dealing with this matter, they are also aware of a video circulating on social media and should you have any more concerns about this incident
please contact the police in the first instance.

"A message has been sent to all staff and students to reassure them."