Clown fear locks down HS

THIS LONG ISLAND school superintendent is not clowning around.

Glenn Eschbach, head of the North Babylon School District, locked down the town’s high school Friday after the school was targeted on social media by what he called “clown-related threats.”

Initial reports indicated a clown was spotted outside the school, but authorities would not confirm that.3

The incident of coulrophobia — fear of clowns — followed bizarre reports Wednesday of people dressed as floppy-shoed jesters jumping in front of cars in Brentwood, and another report of someone dressed as a costumed fool in North Babylon.

Meanwhile, Suffolk County police officials are looking into a range of other sightings of clowns acting in a menacing manner.

None of the reports have been confirmed, Suffolk police said in a statement. No cop has actually seen a clown, they said, nor are there any credible threats.

There was no indication in the police statement of rampant juggling, reckless unicycle riding or a sudden glut of abandoned balloon animals.

“We understand this may be a social media prank throughout the country, but we take quite seriously all calls that involve intentional harassment, trespassing, disturbing of the peace and reported activity that results in the citizens of our county feeling threatened,” said SCPD Chief of Department Stu Cameron.

Suffolk County cops checked North Babylon High School (photo) and found no threat, but students weren’t allowed during lunch.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is of the utmost importance, and all actions taken today were made as a precautionary measure,” Eschbach said in a statement.

He said the motives of the clowns could not be determined.

Central Islip Schools enacted a brief lockout Friday, and the Lindenhurst district kept elementary school kids inside during recess.

“Earlier this morning, district officials were made aware of a tweet threatening that Lindenhurst would be the next area targeted by the clowns,” Lindenhurst schools chief Daniel Giordano said. offcampus