Police issue update on viral video of man 'nibbling boy's ear' at World Snooker Championship
06/12/2024 05:57 AM
Police have closed an investigation into a ‘creepy’ viral video showing a man appearing to grin after nibbling a young boy's ear at the World Snooker Championship.
Despite fears something sinister was happening on screen, police have determined no crime was committed.
The encounter was caught on live TV as seven-time winner Stephen Hendry was speaking during a break in play at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on April 25.
Social media users were quick to draw attention to the crowd behind Hendry, where a grown man leaned down and whispered into the ear of what looked to be a teenage boy.
He then looked to nibble on his lobe before sheepishly grinning as the boy waved to the camera.
Fans were alarmed by the clip, which has now amassed millions of views.
One person wrote: 'This is totally disgusting and he needs locking up for sure. He even nibbled the child’s ear then realised he was on film and shook his head like that.'
Another user said: 'This is very troubling.'
A third commented: 'I just threw up.'
South Yorkshire Police confirmed it had been made aware of the footage and and said it was 'reviewing the content'.
Police have now closed the case pending any further information that would warrant investigation.
A spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: 'Following review of the video, officers have determined no crime has been committed and the investigation has been filed.
A spokesperson for the World Snooker Tour said: 'We are aware of this incident and it is now a police matter.'
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