A viral TikTok trend showing the Cat In The Hat lurking in streets after dark has prompted police forces to reassure worried users of the social media app that it is AI generated.
Sightings of the Dr Seuss character have unnerved many, including in Wales, where images have been generated showing him in familiar locations in cities and towns.
Viral video targets Welsh towns
One video which has been circulating showed the character dancing. It was accompanied with the caption: "South Wales I'm here. I'm coming for south Wales."
It listed Tonypandy, Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd, Cardiff, Swansea and Tonyrefail and added: "Merthyr, watch out. On my way to Wales, lock your doors."
It also used the hashtags: '#Wales' and '#lockurdoorz'.
Police confirm AI origin
Wexford Gardai (police) told worried residents: "In an unusual turn of events we are hearing a lot about an elusive Dr Seuss character doing the rounds online, apparently causing havoc in neighbourhoods and towns across the country."
"Fortunately, we can rule out the issue, which is essentially an AI prompt that places the character into images/videos of familiar places."
"To be clear, the Cat in the Hat was not in your driveway while you were out and he is not currently hiding out in Curracloe."
Origin of the character
The 1957 children's book was written and illustrated by American author Theodor 'Dr. Seuss' Geisel and in the years which followed was adapted to create a film for the big screen.
The story tells the adventures of a tall anthropomorphic cat who wears a red and white-striped top hat and a red bow tie.
