Same name as a killer? Have a free Dungeon pass...

LONDON Dungeon has been accused of bad taste after offering free entry to anyone with the same name as a serial killer.

The names Rose West and Harold Shipman are included in the scheme – despite both killing within the last 5 years.

The tourist spot, which is reopening after closing in the pandemic, said it was honouring the plight of Britons who are unfortunate enough to share the name of a famous fictional or real killer.

Those called Sweeney Todd – or even Ted Bundy – are also eligible, as long as the name on their ID is spelt exactly the same.

The scheme, which runs until the end of August, is somewhat controversial. Rose West was convicted in 1995 of ten murders, while her husband Fred committed two. GP Harold Shipman is thought to have murdered 250 of his patients.

A London Dungeon spokesman said: ‘Finally, sweet payback for all those unknown LinkedIn connections, Facebook friend requests and overheard sniggers at wedding table planners.

‘If your name really is Nellie Lovett, Sweeney Todd, or even Ted Bundy then the London Dungeon is opening their doors and inviting you to explore London’s horrible history with your fellow namesake murderers.

‘Enjoy the Great Fire of London and pay a visit to the plague doctor with Harold Shipman, all with the London Dungeon’s compliments. Lockdown has been tough for everyone, and it can’t have helped ease the misery when introducing yourself on a Zoom call as Rose West. Now we are delighted to welcome all our guests back to see London’s dark past, and we hope they have a truly horrible time – in true Dungeons style.’

But not everyone saw the funny side. One Twitter user wrote: ‘It’s a bit early for jokes about the Wests and Shipman isn’t it?’