Dad whose son was attacked by 'clown' says craze will only get worse
A South Yorkshire dad whose son was left needing stitches after being attacked by a ‘clown’ in Dinnington is worried the craze will only get worse in the run-up to Halloween.
A South Yorkshire dad whose son was left needing stitches after being attacked by a so-called ‘clown’ in Dinnington has told Hallam he's worried the craze will only get worse in the run-up to Halloween.
Owen Russell, 17, needed hospital treatment after he was approached by somebody dressed as a clown who threw a wooden stick at him.
It’s part of a craze currently sweeping the UK where police forces around the country have had reports of people dressing up as clowns and jumping out at members of the public to scare them – often brandishing weapons including knives and hammers.
“I’ve seen it online but I didn’t know they’d be anywhere around my town,” Owen says.
“He just came round the corner. As soon as he’d thrown the stick at me he just ran off.”
A photo of Owen’s injury has been shared online more than 3,000 times in a bid to find those responsible.
It comes as South Yorkshire Police have had 61 reports involving clowns in the last three weeks.
That equates to 11 reports in Doncaster, 10 in Barnsley, 18 in Rotherham and 21 in Sheffield.
The incidents include people being dressed as clowns knocking on windows and doors, and children and adults being frightened. There have also been two reports of clowns with knives, which are being investigated by police.
Owen’s dad John says something has to be done: “I think it’s going to get worse if we’ve got this already. 61 cases already and it’s only just started here in this country.
"There’s young lads running about trying to frighten everybody – little kids, old people – throwing stuff about. It’s gone mad hasn’t it.
“It’s scary and stupid. They don’t realise it’s getting out of hand. My point of view is they should be locked up.”
Superintendent Colin McFarlane said: “There is a clear distinction to be drawn between young people who might be dressing up as we move into the Guy Fawkes and Halloween period and those that are dressing as clowns in order to commit public order offences or harassment.
- "Clearly those that are crossing the threshold of criminality and especially if they are carrying weapons will be dealt with accordingly. I need people to understand that consequences of their actions and to take responsibility for them - South Yorkshire Police will not tolerate criminal behaviour.*
“I urge anyone who feels frightened or threatened to report it to police.”