Stephen King steps in to calm the creepy clown craze

By Catherine Hardy with Reuters

Published on 11/10/2016 - 17:35

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Horror writer steps in to calm concerns after a spate of creepy clown sightings across the US and Europe.

Sightings in US and across the UK
Warnings from police
Horror writer Stephen King steps in
Keep reading to see a cute clown pic

The best-selling horror writer Stephen King has stepped in to calm concerns about the current craze for clown sightings

King wrote the 1986 bestseller “It”, which tells the story of a supernatural being that appears as a clown.

Hey, guys, time to cool the clown hysteria—most of em are good, cheer up the kiddies, make people laugh.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) October 3, 2016

“Hey guys, time to cool the clown hysteria – most of ‘em are good, cheer up the kiddies, make people laugh,” King wrote on Twitter.

The prank craze began in the United States and has since spread to other countries.

“Killer clown” sightings

British police have taken the unusual step of issuing a warning after a spate of creepy clown sightings across the country.

Police forces say they have received dozens of reports of so-called “killer clown” sightings in the last week.

Individuals dressed in clown outfits sometimes carrying knives have been seen acting suspiciously or have chased people, often young children.

Have you spotted creepy clowns around town?
Essex Police has released a warning about the mysterious trend. https://t.co/CRgypRDbZX
— Herts Mercury (@HertsMercury) October 7, 2016

Essex Police have issued this warning to people thinking of being actively involved in the 'clown craze' here #HeartNews pic.twitter.com/0AGVDwq1Sf
— Essex News (@HeartEssexNews) October 7, 2016

When did the clown sightings start?

In August, in the US state of South Carolina.

Police received reports of clowns standing silently by roadsides, near shops or trying to lure children into the woods with bags of money.

The latest creepy clown sighting took place in Roseville in Michigan last Thursday.

Two scary clowns jumped out and chased two 14-year-olds.

Two 18-year-old women were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Fears of a clown

Meanwhile in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/9SeRGzWP9H
— Clown Sightings (@ClownsSightings) October 10, 2016

Clown digging a hole
Summit, Missouri pic.twitter.com/otrDz7g11E
— Clown Sightings (@ClownsSightings) October 7, 2016

What started the craze?

It is not clear.

Some think it may be part of a horror film publicity stunt, others say it is an elaborate hoax propagated by social media.

Some think King’s 1986 novel could be the inspiration.

The novel tells the story of a supernatural being that appears as a clown to terrorise the residents of a small town in Maine in the US.

Where have the clowns have been seen?

Police say the sightings in the UK have so far proved harmless but nonetheless frightening.

Clown follows children walking to school https://t.co/MM93jEuY3A
— Durham Constabulary (@DurhamPolice) October 7, 2016

Durham – four children aged 11 and 12 were followed to school on Friday by a man dressed as a clown and carrying a knife.

“Thames Valley Police responded to 14 separate clown-related incidents on Sunday” LOL https://t.co/Y4GeU02di6
— Matthew Hardy (@drmatthewhardy) October 11, 2016

Thames Valley Police – said on Sunday it has been called to 14 spooky clown incidents in the previous 24 hours.

We've received reports of students being approached by people dressed as clowns in #Clacton. Read here. https://t.co/2xAa8zKqBH
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) October 5, 2016

Clacton-on-Sea – Two girls were approached by two clowns who asked if they wanted to go to a birthday party. Other sightings have been reported near schools.

There have also been reports of sightings in Australia and New Zealand.

What they are saying

“We believe this to be part of a much larger prank which is currently sweeping across the USA and parts of the UK,” – Sergeant Mel Sutherland, Durham Police, UK.

“It is a prank and the perpetrators probably think it is funny, but it is not. It is terrifying people,” – James Berlin, Roseville Police Chief, Michigan