Autism charities across the UK have condemned a viral TikTok trend that is seeing screenings of the new Minecraft film erupt into chaos.

TikTok users have shared footage of young people loudly cheering, clapping and throwing popcorn, as US actor Jack Black’s character in A Minecraft Movie shouts, ‘chicken jockey’.

This refers to a baby zombie riding a chicken which is considered ultra-rare in the video game.

As previously reported in the Echo, Reel Cinema in Fareham has issued warnings to cinema-goers, where it said it would be “increasing our monitoring of screens during performances”.

The cinema added that “disruptive behaviour” such as taking part in the trend would not be tolerated, and they would consider calling the police if necessary.

Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of charity Ambitious About Autism, said the viral trend “appears to be creating unnecessary anxiety and upset for some autistic fans of the film”.

She said: “Many autistic people are sensitive to loud noises or unexpected sounds, which can lead to discomfort and even total sensory overwhelm.

“This World Autism Acceptance Month and beyond, we encourage the public to be understanding of the experiences of autistic children and young people and be mindful of how certain actions can affect them.

“Concerned autistic young people and parents may want to research autism-friendly screenings of the film, which are offered by many cinemas.”

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Videos show the aftermath of the trend, with popcorn on the floor and empty drinking cups.

Christine Flintoft-Smith, head of autism accreditation and projects at the National Autistic Society, said the trend can be “scary and distressing” for autistic people.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy going to the cinema, but for some autistic children and their families it can already be a challenging experience, due to busy crowds, loud noises and unfamiliar environments,” she said.

“Autistic people deserve to feel the joy of going to the cinema and watching a film all together, just like everyone else.

“It’s important that the public remember that they’re not the only ones in the cinema, and that being loud, disruptive or unpredictable might not just be annoying for others, but scary and distressing.”