Sheffield snooker ear biting: Police investigate after viral video appears to show man bite child's ear

Police are investigating after a video went viral appearing to show a man biting a boy’s ear in the background during snooker coverage at The Crucible in Sheffield.
By David Kessen
Published 27th Apr 2024, 12:30 BST
Updated 27th Apr 2024, 12:30 BST

The incident appeared to happen while former World Champion Stephen Hendry was being interviewed during a break in play during the tournament.

The BBC has a studio in the Winter Garden, where onlookers can watch all the interviews taking place. It is not known if the people were related.

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The man appeared to whisper in the child's ear before proceeding to nibble on his ear with viewers left shocked.

The BBC's studio in the Wintergarden. Police have been called after a man was seen biting a child's ear in the background while an interview was being carried outThe BBC's studio in the Wintergarden. Police have been called after a man was seen biting a child's ear in the background while an interview was being carried out
The BBC's studio in the Wintergarden. Police have been called after a man was seen biting a child's ear in the background while an interview was being carried out

The boy did appear upset as he noticed he could be seen on the live broadcast and then smiled and waved towards the camera as the man pulled back.

South Yorkshire Police said: 'Yesterday, Thursday 25 April at 9.20pm, we received a call to inform us of a video circulating on social media of a man and a boy at the Crucible in Sheffield.

'We are aware of the footage and officers will be reviewing the content.'

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A spokesperson for the World Snooker Tour said on Friday: 'we are aware of this incident and it is now a police matter'.

One fan quickly posted the a clip of the incident on social media, writing 'what the f*** did I just see?!' with the 'sick' emoji.

Over 10 million people have watched the video, with many expressing concern.