‘Creepy Clown’ Sightings: UK Sees Pranksters Following Disturbing US Trend

Following several cases of "creepy clown" sightings in the U.S., similar incidents have now been reported in the United Kingdom. The Northumbria police arrested a teen in North East England who was in possession of a “bladed article” in connection with these sightings.

In Newcastle upon Tyne, pranksters dressed as clowns leapt out of bushes and chased pedestrians down the streets. The first such incident was reported on Sept. 30 and at least six "creepy clown" sightings have been reported so far. There have been no injuries, the police said.

“This arrest should act as a clear warning to others who are actively seeking to cause distress and potentially harm others,” the authorities said in a statement Tuesday. “This behaviour will not be tolerated by Northumbria Police and extra officers will be on hand to offer reassurance and catch those responsible for any criminal offences which have taken place.”

The police appealed to anyone with information regarding these incidents to reach out to them.

“The people carrying out these pranks may think they’re being funny but it is leaving a number of young people incredibly distressed,” Inspector Stephen Wykes of Central Area Command said in the statement. “There has only been a handful of these incidents, which we think have been inspired by a trend in America, but we are keen to stop them before they cause anyone else further distress. We are keen to identify those people who are dressing up as clowns so we can speak to them about their conduct and establish whether any criminal offence has taken place.”

The U.S. has been witness to a series of disturbing and sometimes criminal "creepy clown" sightings where people dressed as clowns tried to lure children into the woods. These sightings led to over a dozen arrests and even school closures.