'˜Just idiots dressing up': Professional clown hits out at '˜killer clown' craze

A professional clown who appeared in the Bognor Regis festival over the summer has lambasted those taking part in the so-called '˜killer clown' craze which has now hit Sussex.
Police warning as killer clown craze hits UK. Photo: Shutterstock.Police warning as killer clown craze hits UK. Photo: Shutterstock.
Police warning as killer clown craze hits UK. Photo: Shutterstock.

It follows reports of a masked man approaching families and scaring children in Slindon Woods and Eastbourne Police hunting a man who leapt out at a cyclist brandishing an offensive weapon while dressed as a clown.

Rob Bowker, a long-standing member of Clowns International who performs as Bibbledybob, said: “It’s ridiculous, these are not real clowns, they are just idiots dressed as clowns.

“If I put a doctor’s coat on it doesn’t make me a doctor.

Professional members of Clowns International returned to Bognor Regis in the summer for the renowned clown paradeProfessional members of Clowns International returned to Bognor Regis in the summer for the renowned clown parade
Professional members of Clowns International returned to Bognor Regis in the summer for the renowned clown parade
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“These people are putting clown costumes on and scaring innocent people for no good reason other than their own gratification.

“As seen in Hotham Park in Bognor Regis this summer, thousands of people turned out to see us real clowns and had a great day.”

Asked if those dressing up were harming his profession, Rob added: “Undoubtedly. I just hope the public see it for what it is, these are just idiots dressed as clowns and hopefully they’ll be arrested.”

Earlier in the week, Dave Rogers said a man in a clown mask scared his children in Slindon Woods at the weekend.

Real clowns in Hotham ParkReal clowns in Hotham Park
Real clowns in Hotham Park
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Police in Chichester were also called after a person reported being chased by a clown, but when officers arrived they found no trace.

There have been a number of incidents reported across the UK after what has been dubbed the ‘killer clown’ craze which started in America.

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