Gosport mum: I was chased by killer clowns

MORE concerns continue to be raised about the '˜killer clown' craze despite a police warning that troublemakers will be arrested.
Clown SUS-160710-135319001Clown SUS-160710-135319001
Clown SUS-160710-135319001

It comes after a number of incidents were reported across Hampshire over the weekend where people dressed as clowns chased youths and knocked on people’s doors at night looking for trouble.

Pictures continue to be posted on Facebook of clown sightings across the Portsmouth region in the lead up to Halloween.

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One Gosport resident has also contacted The News this morning to talk about her own experience of being chased by clowns.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘The other night, I was travelling along Howe Road with an elderly friend and disabled son.

‘We saw people appear in the road by the car infront of us, then noticed their masks (clowns but also a monkey one).

‘The car infront slowed down but they ran off. As we slowed to turn into our road, they appeared and chased the car. One hit the back of the car, then they chased us to our parking space. My disabled son was and is very scared by this still.

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As we got out the car the group of five were at the end of the road & joined by more youths (unmasked) who were walking, riding bike and scooters ~ in the middle of the road.

‘I watched out the window and could see the masked youths crouch down behind the hill (to the side of Howe Road) and kept running out to the road.

‘I called 101 and they said a patrol car was in the area.

‘I continued to watch them until they suddenly ran across the road and down the road opposite,closely followed by a police car.

‘Unfortunately I do not know the outcome but saw the police car stop halfway down the road.’

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A statement released by Hampshire Constabulary superintendent Paul Bartolomeo yesterday said: ‘We don’t want to be killjoys but some of these incidents have been extremely frightening for those involved.

‘We would ask people to think about the impact of their actions. What to them is a harmless prank, could be an intimidating and threatening experience to others, especially young children and vulnerable people.

‘Also, by taking part in this craze, people could find themselves in a situation which leads to a public order incident. They could be arrested and ultimately end up with a criminal record.

‘These incidents are also taking up valuable police time and resources, and will ultimately have an impact on other calls coming into the control room and officers attending other incidents.

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‘This appears to be a national craze at the moment and we would strongly advise people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight not to be part of it.’

If you have any concerns or need to report an incident, call police on 101.