Christmas is cancelled

[link to www.bbc.co.uk]

A group of performing Christmas elves has been left "traumatised" after being attacked by a gang of teenagers.

Entertainers Starkidz were "cornered" by the gang after a Christmas lights switch-on in Formby, Merseyside.

The performers, including one as young as 13, were abused, with one punched and another threatened with an airgun, said the troupe's manager Jan Hayes.

"We may not return to Formby next year," she said.

"We've been going for five years and we have never had any trouble like this.

"It started off with these teenagers trying take their hats or telling the children they are not real elves.

"Later on, a gang of about 20 cornered our group and one member was punched in the stomach as they were abused."