A VIDEO game featuring "psychological horror" and suicide has been linked to the death of a 15-year-old schoolboy.
Police and teachers have warned parents about Doki Doki Literature Club. Here's what you need to know.
What is Doki Doki Literature Club?
Doki Doki Literature Club is an anime-style video game that has been downloaded between two and five million times since it was released in September 2017.
Described as a "visual novel", it features a boy who joins a high school poetry society and grows close to four teenage girls.
While it appears to be a cute "dating sim" game, it opens with the warning: "This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed."
Players follow the story and interact with the characters by chatting and writing poems.
The interactions take a dark turn as the girls become obsessive, and the story contains disturbing references to violence, self-harm and mental health issues and a scene in which a character's neck snaps.
A number of alternative endings are available depending on the player's input.
The game can be downloaded from the digital store Steam, where it has "overwhelmingly positive" reviews.
Its creators say it is "100 per cent free to play", but there is a £6.99 "fan pack" available for download which includes wallpapers, a soundtrack and developer notes.
Who was Ben Walmsley and what has his father said about Doki Doki Literature Club?
Ben Walmsley, 15, a schoolboy from Bury, Greater Manchester, died in February.
An inquest was due to be held in June but has been delayed until November 22 while a serious case review is carried out, Bury Times reports.
Ben's father Darren, 49, said Doki Doki Literature Club had "dragged" his son in with its "dark" themes.
Mr Walmsley said: "Ben was growing up fast. It is hard for parents but this needs to be highlighted.
"There is no confirmation yet, but we believe that the game could be linked to Ben’s death.
"Characters suggest things and you decide what to do. It drags you in and they make it very real.
"Ben did not speak about it, but parents need to be aware of this game and other similar games.
"It is free to download but once you get into it, it will not leave you alone.
"The characters befriend and love you and give you tasks to do but if you do not do them, they turn nasty."
He said his son was often woken at night by texts from the game's characters.
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What have police and teachers said about Doki Doki Literature Club?
Ben's school, Philips High in Whitefield, told parents: "A concern has recently been brought to our attention by HM Senior Coroner regarding the use by young people of the online game Doki Doki, also known as Doki Doki Literature Club.
"A concern has been expressed that the game may trigger suicidal thoughts in young people who may be emotionally vulnerable.
"Please monitor and check your child’s internet use regularly and be mindful of the time spent."
Detective Inspector Jude Holmes, of Greater Manchester Police's Public Protection Division, said: "We believe this game is a risk to children and young people, especially those that are emotionally vulnerable and anyone with existing mental health concerns.
"It’s also really important to discuss with your children which games and apps are suitable, and ensure they understand why others aren’t appropriate to use."
Doki Doki Literature Club gaming trailer offers no real hint of the horror lurking withinIF you are troubled by mental heath issues you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123.
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