New group set up to report sightings of clowns in area

A NEW Facebook group has been set up to encourage people to report sightings of ‘killer clowns’ in Hinckley.

Scores of people have shared stories about their terrifying encounters with the masked pranksters who leap out from hiding spots to scare passers-by.

The creepy clowns, some of which are reportedly armed with knives and axes, have been spotted in Hinckley, Barwell, Burbage, Earl Shilton and Stoke Golding.

A new Facebook page called Hinckley and Area Clown Sighting Warning has been set up to warn people about the bizarre craze.

The page was created by Helen Stevens on Monday afternoon. She said: “We’ve created this group so people can post a warning of any sightings of the so called killer clowns.

“It may seem silly but some people are terrified of what some stupid people could do and it’s getting out of hand.”

A post by Ann-Marie Liddle said her young nephew, who is a pupil at Newlands Community Primary School in Barwell, was chased by a clown wielding a blunt object after school on Monday.

She said the youngster was so scared that he did not want to sleep in his own bed.

She added: “Please keep your kids safe, I know it’s hard with kids walking to and from school, but this is ridiculous.”

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: “Police have received a report of a person sitting on a swing in Radford Park in Moore Road, Barwell, wearing what is described as a clown mask.

“The person did not engage with the child but the child ran home.

“A local officer has spoken to the child and the family to offer his support.”

Further incidents have been reported in Hinckley in Argents Mead park, Queen’s Park, Hollycroft Road and near Dorothy Goodman School.

A Vauxhall Zafira was reportedly spotted driving around Hinckley last night with two people dressed as clowns screaming at people walking in the street.

Leicestershire Police have vowed to take action against anyone found to be causing fear or distress to the public.