Man in creepy Chucky‑like mask chases Philadelphia residents, police say

A man in a creepy doll mask has been terrorising Philadelphia residents, running up to them and making threats, police say.

The Philadelphia Police Department said Tuesday it is searching for the suspect, who allegedly threatened and chased at least half a dozen people near City Hall last week.

The man, captured on surveillance video wearing a scary doll mask, asked a woman if she was "ready to die", police told the BBC’s US partner CBS.

Police released photos and a video of the suspect, seeking the public’s help to identify him.

On 12 August the man was caught on surveillance chasing a woman taking a morning run around 5:30 am (10:30 BST). He made threatening comments while holding his hand behind his back, causing her to stumble and injure herself. He then fled into an underground rail station.

The suspect appears to be filming the incidents, holding a cellphone with its light on, according to Police Captain Jason Smith.

It is unclear if the encounters are part of a social media trend, he said.

The suspect faces charges including terroristic threats, simple assault and other offences, according to the police captain.

Luanda Marinho said she encountered the masked man while meeting a friend for a morning run. She recalled: ‘He starts asking, “Do you guys want to race me? I bet I am faster than you. Want to race me?” He asked a few times, but none of us acknowledged him. Very weird.’

They are considering changing their running route, she added. ‘It was just weird, like some twisted game.’