No laughing matter Residents phone cops as Killer Clown craze hits West Lothian
“Killer clowns” are being warned their conduct could land them in trouble with the police.
Pranksters have been spotted lurking about quiet areas of West Lothian, including car parks and paths, dressed as clowns over the past week.
The craze, thought to have been started in the US, is apparently influenced by the Stephen King horror story, ‘It’.
Police Scotland confirmed they have received “several reports” regarding clowns intimidating members of the public over the weekend.
Inspector Adam Smith said: “Officers received several reports of individuals dressed as clowns in Livingston over the weekend and enquiries are yet to establish if any criminality took place.
“People felt inclined to phone in sightings of clowns due to social media and have obviously felt uneasy when seeing them.
“However, the public can be assured that all reports of attempts to intimidate or frighten people will be thoroughly investigated.”
Clowns have also been spotted in car parks in Deer Park and close to the Regal Theatre in Bathgate.
One Bathgate visitor said: “The car park behind the Regal Theatre has a scary guy with a red devil full head and face mask on with his hood up. When he saw me pull into a space he came charging towards my car.”
Across the UK clowns have been spotted in dark areas carrying knives although it is unclear whether any of the incidents in West Lothian involved weapons.
Police Scotland Superintendent David Duncan said: “We have had a few sporadic reports of individuals dressed as clowns in some areas in Scotland.
“It is assessed that there is a current trend of similar incidents on social media, many of which have been confirmed as hoaxes and emanate from overseas.
“The reports which have been made to local police officers are being investigated and do not specifically involve threats or violence.
“However, any person seeking to cause distress and potential harm to anyone should be aware that police will take action.”