Scotland Yard arrests first 'killer clown'

Scotland Yard today said it has made the first arrest following a series of so-called "killer clown" incidents across the UK involving people dressing up in creepy clown outfits to scare children and bystanders.

The 19-year-old man landed in the police net yesterday after reports came that a man dressed as a clown was scaring people at Brunel University campus in west London.

He was charged with public order offences and released on bail until later this month.

"We are currently assessing a small number of reported 'killer clown' incidents in London, three of which meet the threshold of a criminal offence. Our primary responsibility is identifying and investigating those incidents where a criminal offence has occurred.
 

"However, anti-social behaviour can leave people feeling scared, anxious and intimidated and I would urge those who are causing fear and alarm to carefully consider the impact their actions have on others," Metropolitan Police said.

In the run up to Halloween, it is expected that these types of incidents will increase, but with the launch of our annual Autumn Nights campaign in the coming weeks, officers will be carrying out additional reassurance patrols and will be on hand for those who are especially vulnerable, the police said in a statement.

"Whilst we do not want to stop people from enjoying themselves, it is important that while having fun they remember to act in a responsible manner and understand that they could be prosecuted if a criminal offence is committed," police said.

The "killer clown" phenomenon began with people in creepy clown masks scaring and threatening people in several US states and there have since been a number of sightings in England, Scotland and Wales over the last few weeks.

The World Clown Association has described the trend as "disappointing", saying "a genuine clown would not run up to somebody and make them jump and frighten them. That is an idiot dressed up in a mask trying to scare people".