PARENTS have been left shocked after their children were faced with a horror film trailer before a kids film screening in Didcot.

Families visiting yesterday's 10.10am showing of the U rated Angry Birds Movie said they were forced to shield their children's eyes from the blood, gore and violence when a trailer for Bye Bye Man was shown before the start.

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Among the families forced to leave the cinema was Claire Wren, from Cholsey, with her four children all aged 10 and under.

She said: "We went and collected our tickets and once in the screen were shown all the Disney trailers. Then it said about the following trailers you are about to see are appropriate for the U rating.

"There first was an odd one about a boy being born on Mars, before the shocking trailer for Bye Bye Man came on.

"I just thought this is awful and got the children to shut their eyes, but obviously they could still hear everything.

"It was my three children and then my eight-month old baby sat on my lap and as soon as I realised I got them out."

Mrs Wren explained that two of her children are autistic and one has Aspergers, so the family try to make sure they are in controlled, safe and happy environments.

The children were left "sobbing uncontrollably" and unable to return into the screening after seeing the horror film trailer.

Mrs Wren added: "It is just negligence and there should be procedures in place to stop this from happening. My daughter has come home and is now afraid of being in the dark. It is just very frustrating."

She complained to Cineworld and has spoken to the Advertising Standards Authority which is investigating. 

Jennifer Giff, Cineworld spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that incorrect trailers were shown on August 12 before a screening of Robinson Crusoe and a screening of Angry Birds. 

"We are really sorry for the error and have apologised to the customers affected as well as offering full refunds. 

"We've taken this very seriously and immediately investigated how it happened. Our investigation has shown that it was due to human error and we are now reviewing the procedures for loading trailers."