This horrifying Halloween mask that's banned in Canada is now being sold in the UK

Halloween is probably the most Marmite of what our American friends like to call ‘holidays’. I would be very happy if Halloween actually was a holiday, because it’d mean we all get the day off, but that’s beside the point; what I’m saying is that there are some people who wish it could be 31 October all year round, and others who truly dread it.

However, for any big Halloween fans out there, we are sorry to inform you that it is now ruined, and for those who already hate it, well, it’s even worse, thanks to the existence of this mask.

The ‘Scary Peeper Creeper’ mask was pulled from Canadian Home Depot stores last year because of its resemblance to a ‘Peeping Tom’, which made a lot of people, particularly women, feel uncomfortable.

But it is now on sale in the UK, on Amazon. It’s horrifying, and looks like this:

The product description reads: “Scary Peeper is a prank product invented to simulate a Peeping Tom looking in through a window. Simply mount the Scary Peeper Deluxe outside any window with the included line and suction cup and let the fun begin. This Scary Peeper Peeping Tom simulates a Peeping Tom peering into your home. So lifelike you’ll even scare yourself. Great for Halloween or anytime.”

But while Scary Peeper may market it as a bit of fun, for many women especially, the feeling of being stalked is all too real.

One woman commented about the mask on Facebook: “I’m all for scary decorations but this one could be really damaging for some. Many people deal with stalking at some point in their lives and this could be very hurtful for them and bring back issues such as PTSD.

“This goes past a normal prank into something that can cause deep emotional issues for survivors of abuse and stalking.”

Another added: “Well, besides causing traumatising fear in children, elderly or people with health conditions, people outside, walking, in homes or driving by might get shot when someone shoots that face. Too real, too scary.”

The Peeping Tom comes in other equally horrifying forms, such as a clown face:

And even worse than that, there’s even a more expensive version which has a motion-sensor triggered finger which taps against the window when someone walks past.

Even if you love pranks, it’s hard to argue that might not be traumatising for a lot of people.

The regular Peeping Tom prop is being sold for £28.48 on Amazon, while the motion sensor version costs £39.99 - a lot of money for a not-actually-very-funny prank.

What’s wrong with the old sheet with two eye holes cut in? Or the old classic, hiding under your little brothers bed for hours, and then grab his foot just as he’s climbing in to go to sleep.

OK, now I come to think of it, that was pretty cruel too, but hey, when you’re a kid it’s funny at the time.