Washington police call in hypnotists

Police hunting the Washington DC sniper are bringing in experts to hypnotise witnesses in the hope of jogging hidden memories.

The move shows the lengths to which officers are going to end the hysteria in an area where people put on body armour before filling up with petrol and still hide behind car doors.

Almost all school and youth club activities in the capital’s suburbs have been cancelled, postponed or moved indoors.

“Just like everybody else, our world’s been turned upside down,” said Tommy Meir, coach of the Herndon High School football team.

His team played Westfield High last night at a site 100 miles away from both schools. The exact location and time were not publicised in advance to make parents feel safer.