ITV News leaves children SCREAMING as gruesome Alien scene is shown sparking Ofcom enquiry
ITV News viewers were left far from happy after a shocking scene from the film Alien was aired during a morning bulletin.
ITV News Alien John Hurt Ofcom children Twitter
Actor Sir John Hurt dies aged 77
Those at home took to Twitter to say their children had been left "screaming" by the broadcast, which was shown at 9.25am.
The broadcaster showed the infamous "chestburster" clip from the 1979 movie as part of a tribute to Sir John Hurt, who passed away on January 25.
Ofcom has since confirmed that they are investigating what happened, after five complaints were received.
"How on earth do you justify showing the scene from Alien on morning news? My kids are screaming. B****y disgrace," one user tweeted.
ITV News is being investigated by Ofcom over a Sir John Hurt tribute
ITV News showed a gruesome scene from Alien at 9.25am
How on earth do you justify showing the scene from Alien on morning news?
Another person continued: "Why on earth did you decide to show the chest bursting scene from Alien this morning @ 09:25? My six-year-old witnessed this!"
A third wrote: "Did my 4yr old just see the Alien chest burst scene at 9:27am- wtf! Really shocked!"
The memorable moment from Alien sees Sir John's character Kane convulsing at the table before something bursts out of his chest leaving blood spilling out.
ITV News sparked five complaints from those at home
Sammy the cat goes into hiding under ITV News desk
ITV News: A promotional shot for 1979's Alien
An Ofcom spokesperson told Express.co.uk: "We are investigating whether material in this news bulletin was appropriately scheduled."
An ITV News spokesperson also said: "We’ve been in touch with Ofcom with a response to their investigation and will wait to hear the outcome in the weeks ahead."