Mounting worry over scary clown craze sweeping Hampshire

It comes after troublemakers in clown costumes and masks were spotted lurking near bushes and in some cases knocked on people’s homes after midnight over the weekend.

Readers have taken to The News’ Facebook page to criticise the actions of those dressing up and scaring youngsters and others out in public.

And some have spoken up about their own ordeal encountering a clown.

Leslie Harris said her 11-year-old granddaughter is terrified as she hates clowns, and won’t go out with her friends anymore.

She added: ‘What happens if an elderly person,p erhaps with heart disease, has a heart attack?

‘It’s not funny and it’s not harmless! Stupid & thoughtless thing to do & if one gets badly beaten by someone they really only have themselves to blame.’

Jo Paige said: ‘Not in the slightest bit funny, my teenage daughter is now scared to go out or walk to school in fear that someone will jump out on her.

‘Something has to be done to stop them or penalise anyone caught doing it.’

While Chris Arnold said he spotted a clown loitering in the bushes near the park in Stubbington.

Kev Lewis said: ‘I can see someone getting seriously hurt before long doing things like this and they will only have themselves to blame for it.’

Have you encountered a clown and had one turn up at your door? Call reporter MILES O’LEARY on 023 92 622169 or email [email protected]