A colourful yet macabre statue in the capital of Switzerland has left everyone wondering why it was even made almost 500 years.

The Kindlifresserbrunnen, which translates as the Fountain of the Eater of Little Children, is located in the centre of Old Bern and depicts an ogre-type figure sitting on a column dressed in red, green and yellow.

He also happens to be chomping down on a naked baby’s head with its chubby behind on display.

Other helpless cherubic youngsters are either in the giant’s grip or in a bag by his side – all with fearful expressions no doubt over their coming fate.