A Mickey Mouse mascot is accused of pulling a knife on tourists who refused to pay after they posed for pictures with him.
The person, dressed as the favored Disney character, apparently hangs out in Via Toledo – a tourist hotspot in Naples, Italy – and encourages people to have their photos taken alongside him.
He then allegedly asks for money and in the event that they refuse makes threats.
In accordance with Local MP Francesco Emilio Borelli, there are videos on social media where tourists and locals claim the mascot has been seen carrying a knife, and at the least one report that he threatened someone with it.
Mr Borrelli has now sent a dossier on the person to police.
He said: ‘We’re getting many reports on this subject who, disguised as Mickey Mouse, threatens and extorts money from tourists and residents who take pictures with him.
‘In some videos, users claimed that the person can be armed with a knife.’
He added: ‘We cannot allow people like this to act undisturbed within the tourist areas of town, damaging the image of Naples and making a climate of fear between residents and visitors.
‘We now have received several reports and videos that show worrying attitudes, including an alleged episode of threat with a weapon.
‘I would like an investigation to get to the facts and if the allegations are confirmed he will likely be caught and handled.’
Borrelli is asking for ‘mouse trap’ patrols to catch the suspect red-handed.
He said: ‘Naples can’t be hostage to those that think they’ll just do as they like with none respect for the law.’
One woman posted on social media to say she and her family had their picture taken with the mascot.
She added: ‘I used to be super excited and had my daughter take an image with Mickey Mouse.
‘Only now have I discovered that he goes around with a knife and take its out on anyone who doesn’t give him money. Thank god we escaped.’
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