A giant blow-up Santa has been gunned down in a drive-by shooting in the US – with the deflating deed captured on video.
The unfestive act carried out in Lexington, Kentucky, left a gaping 46cm (18in) hole in the Father Christmas and raised concerns other similar inflatable decorations could be targeted by the trigger-happy yobs, putting people in danger.
The Santa Claus, which had pride of place in a couple’s front garden, had been brought just days earlier for $200.
But it is hoped with the help of thimble-fingered neighbours that this St Nicholas could be stitched up and rise again, providing some much-needed yuletide cheer.
Homeowner Donald Nelson said: “Me and my wife were sitting on the couch watching TV and we heard a small bang or whatever and she asked me to take a look.
“When I looked out the front door, we saw the inflatable had fallen over.”
The aftermath of the shooting. Pic: KYMA/ NBC
But it was only when he reviewed his CCTV footage the reality of what happened was brought home.
Mr Nelson said: “I went back and looked at our home security camera and it actually showed a vehicle turn around in the court and a sound that sounded like a firearm, shoot it.
“As soon as that noise went off, the inflatable fell down.”
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He added: “I mean, there’s multiple neighbours that have inflatables too and I mean certainly they could be targeted also.
“If they’ve done one, they’ll probably do several.
“Hopefully people will have Ring cameras, security cameras, that will catch a licence plate or give us a better description of who’s doing this.”
The attack left a gaping hole in the festive centrepiece. Pic: KYMA/ NBC
Mr Nelson went on: “We’ve got some neighbours that can sew and have promised their services to help get him up and going again… I just beg people to check and see what your kids are doing.
“I hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else.
“We don’t want anyone to get hurt. It’s not a cute, fun thing.
“This is, you know, you’re discharging a firearm at someone’s home.”
NBC affiliate Lex 18 reported that Mr Nelson filed a police report but hadn’t had any updates as of Saturday.