A ‘distressing’ Halloween display portraying hanging bodies has been slammed by nearby residents claiming that it looks like a public lynching.

The display, created by the tenants of a home on Shinfield Road was erected yesterday (19/10) as people around the world celebrate the Halloween holidays.

After visiting the house, the Reading Chronicle found that the decorations were visible from the street and hanging from a large tree on the driveway.

One neighbor, who did not wish to be identified, got in touch with the Chronicle after they witnessed the hanging bodies outside the home.

 They said: "It's so distressing or distasteful. It looks like a public lynching, reminiscent of what was done to black Americans. 

"It's very prominent - it's unbelievable It's bodies wrapped in sheets. Not like a ghost - like a shroud. It's a public lynching and it's very, very bad taste."

The Chronicle spoke to a resident within the home who said that they decorate outside and inside the house every year for both Halloween and Christmas.

She said: “I’m not sure who exactly put the decorations up, but this is actually quite subtle compared to what we normally do every year.

“We are all very artistic and like to come up with something that will be memorable and unique.”