A Santa Claus has been criticised by parents after he allegedly swore at children.

Bizarre on Female First

Bizarre on Female First

The costume clad man - whose real name has not been revealed - was in his grotto at a family event in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, when fire alarms sounded off by smoke from a nearby event.

According to parents, the man ''ripped off his hat and beard'' and ''used the most vile language'' - shocking dozens of children queuing to see him.

One told Cambridgeshire Live: ''People were in the process of vacating the building and in came angry Santa swearing using the most vile language, ripping off his hat and beard with steam literally coming from his ears ... not sure why he was so cross?''

Responding to complaints, Festival Events St Ives said: ''We wish to apologise for any offence or distress caused to parents and children by the attempts to ensure all visitors and staff had exited the building and were safe.''