Police issue clown warning
TERRIFYING ‘killer clowns’ have been spotted in Hinckley and Bosworth - some reportedly armed with knives and axes.
Residents took to social media over the weekend to report sightings of the masked pranksters who jump out from hiding spots to frighten people.
The menacing clowns have been spotted in Hinckley, Barwell, Burbage and Stoke Golding.
Leicestershire Police have vowed to take action against anyone found to be causing fear or distress to the public after the bizarre craze swept the country.
A van of armed clowns was reportedly seen driving around Hinckley and near Dorothy Goodman School on Sunday night.
Other incidents included two people wielding knives trying to get on a bus in Burbage and children being chased through Barwell tip park.
Scores of people spoke of their fear after coming into contact with the clowns on the Spotted Hinckley Facebook page.
Tim Noble wrote: “My sister’s lad has just been attacked by one down Queen’s Park. He asked him to play with his hooter and he also had an axe. He’s shaken.”
Tom Newton said: “Van of armed clowns spotted driving around Hinckley. Spotted near Dorothy Goodman School. Lock doors and windows and stay safe. Please share.”
Elise Frost said: “One of my friends was on the bus and said there were two clowns trying to force their way on, apparently carrying knives.”
Kurtess Leeson Turvey said a group of seven clowns were seen wandering around Argents Mead park in Hinckley and also Stoke Golding.
Sallyanne Ward added: “Someone I know was chased at 11pm from work on Friday in Barwell tip park and two were down there on Wednesday chasing kids.”
People have posted messages threatening to take action if they are confronted by a killer clown.
But Leicestershire Police urged
people to report any concerns by calling 101.
The force said on their Facebook page: “Regarding the ‘Killer Clowns’ craze. Anyone with any concerns should not hesitate to contact police on 101 and rest assured we will take appropriate action against anyone involving themselves in these types of incidents.
“Causing fear, alarm or distress intentionally is not acceptable in our communities and is potentially
a criminal offence.”
The hoax trend started in the US in August after police in the state of South Carolina received a number of reports that people dressed as clowns were trying to frighten children.
Since then there have been reports across the country and elsewhere in the world of creepy clowns leaping out of bushes to scare passers-by, lurking in parks or woodland, or even chasing people.