Parents screamed and covered their children's eyes as violent scenes from restricted horror movies screened during light-hearted animated comedy Puss In Boots.
British tabloid The Mirror reported parents in South London started screaming "What the hell's going on?" as pre-schoolers burst into tears over the horrific two-minute trailers for The Devil Inside and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
The trailers for the restricted movies accidentally screened before the family friendly film and were meant to be shown as previews for Underworld Awakening, scheduled after Puss In Boots.
The Devil Inside is a horror about a woman battling demons and features a brutal exorcism, while the Ghost Rider sequel stars Nicolas Cage and features flaming skulls.
Father Peter Flynn had taken his four-year-old daughter to see the Shrek spin-off, and said she was terrified by what she saw.
"She was extremely frightened by what were exceptionally strong images, even by adult standards. I tried to cover her eyes."
Patron Catherine Walker said kids watching exorcism trailers was "every parent's nightmare".
Complaints have been laid, an investigation is underway and the cinema, which apologised to angry parents, could be fined or lose its licence.
Watch the trailers for The Devil Inside and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance:
- Herald online