http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1240049/Mourners-shock-toy-skeleton-haunts-visits-chapel-rest.html

Mourners' shock as toy skeleton haunts visits to chapel of rest

By Daily Mail Reporter
 

Neighbours of a funeral home have been accused of trying to upset mourners with a life-size toy skeleton.

Linda Rae, 58, and family were shocked during a visit to pay their respects to her late mother when the blinds at the neighbouring window parted to reveal the grimacing skull, complete with wild staring eyes.

Mrs Rae's husband Michael, 59, said: 'It was like something from a ghost train. I can't understand why someone would do that to a grieving family who just want to be left in peace.'

Bone of contention: The fake skeleton is clearly visible through the blinds of a house next to the funeral home

The skeleton has now haunted three of their visits to the Craven's Funeral Home in Huyton, Liverpool, to pay their respects to Mrs Rae's mother Anne McKune, who died last week of a heart attack at the age of 77.

The Raes say they have spoken to another family who had been disturbed by the ghoulish sight.

Mr Rae said the experience had now deterred his wife - who recently had major heart surgery - from visiting the chapel of rest.

'This has not been good for her,' he said.

Mr Rae said he thought the owners of the house may be using the toy to make a protest against the opening of the funeral home last summer.

Shocked: Mourner Michael Rae beside the funeral home in Huyton, Liverpool

'If she has problem with them it's not fair to drag us into it,' he told the Liverpool Echo.

The neighbour, who would not give her name, told the newspaper the skeleton belonged to her young son, who happened to move the blinds just as the Raes were looking.

'It's just where we keep his toys,' she said.

But she added: 'He doesn't like living next door to dead bodies. It keeps him up at night. But no one listens to us.'

The Raes said they had no complaint against Craven's Funeral Service, which declined to comment.

Merseyside Police said they were investigating.

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