MOMO CHALLENGE

A sick WhatsApp 'suicide' game called the Momo challenge has hit the UK, leaving young children fearing for their lives.

The so-called 'challenge', featuring a haunting character with bulging eyes, has sparked warnings to British parents.

It has already been linked to the suicide of a 12-year-old girl in Argentina and at least 130 teen deaths across Russia.

And now, UK primary schools have warned about the dangers of the game, saying it presents a "serious risk" to kids' safety.

In a letter to parents, one Cumbrian school said the game is "easily accessed" through social media and "rapidly spreading".

Meanwhile, a Hull school said the challenge is hacking into popular children's games, including Peppa Pig and Fortnite.

But what is the Momo challenge? And what steps can parents take to protect their children from it? You can find out below.

What is the challenge?

The Momo challenge begins with a shadowy controller sending violent images to a child over WhatsApp or online games.

They threaten the youngster if they refuse to follow 'orders'.

There are claims some of these threats include the player being “killed in their sleep” and their family coming to harm.

The child is sent instructions on how to harm themselves and others - and some have even been told to kill themselves.

The challenge may appear midway through a video or game.

Who is the 'Momo' character?

The 'Momo' character is symbolized by a woman with grotesque features and bulging eyes.

It was taken from the work of Japanese artist Midori Hayashi, who is not associated with the game.

The doll entices kids to contact her via social media, before sending them graphic images and instructions.