A MOTHER is furious after zombie clowns performing at a carnival left her son too afraid to sleep.

Katie Petchey, 30, from Shoebury, and son Harry, five, were enjoying the floats and acts at Southend Carnival until a performance from Castle Point Ghost Tours, based on Canvey, went past.

The performers were dressed as zombie clowns, which has left Harry traumatised.

Katie said: “He was crying and other children were too.

“They should be in a horror film and not a family event.

“They were in the crowd and approaching children.”

However, carnival chairman Garry Lowen said she was the only person to make a complaint about the performance.

He said: “We give advice and guidance to entrants to ensure their entry is in good taste. It is likely before they started we wouldn’t have seen what they looked like.

“We can only apologise for any distress caused and will review our procedures.”

A spokesman for the performers said: “It is not, and never has been, our intention to upset a five-year-old whilst performing at carnivals.

“The main goals have always been to support the community, entertain crowds and promote our Halloween event.

“I believe organisers and vast majority of the public, including young children, appreciate the effort we put in and expect us to play a pantomime villain.

“We understand in this case it missed the mark.

“We offer sincere apologies to the five-year-old and hope they enjoyed the other excellent acts.”