Warning to crazy clowns

The creepy trend of scary clowns armed with knives and even a chainsaw targeting innocent members of the public has led to arrests in parts of the country.
Urging a halt to the alarming antics, local children’s entertainer Helen Dutch, alias Daffy Dill, said: “It’s been hyped up, and now it’s spreading about the place.”
Helen, who lives in Annan, said: “I didn’t think it would hit this region, but my son told me that there was one sighted the other day by a couple of his friends down at the railway station in Annan.
“Somebody jumped out at them.”
And she added: “A lady I was talking to said a guy was driving his truck near Lockerbie someplace, and in the early hours of the morning two guys dressed as fake clown characters jumped out at him to scare the wits out of them.
“He’d said he was very nearly veering at them.”
Police meanwhile describe a sighting at Goldie Park in Dumfries.
Helen believes those responsible are either young men not considering the consequences or ‘other, more disturbed individuals’ hiding behind a mask.
Burger chain McDonald’s have said Ronald McDonald is keeping a low profile, while other clowns fear being tarnished by the craze.
Helen said: “I have a friend who is a clown in Dumfries and Galloway, and he says he’s reluctant to go out and about in case he gets labelled with it, or in case people are frightened by them, and it’s a shame.”
She added: “I think that’s horrible, because real clowns, proper clowns, are kind, caring gentle people who actually do it to lighten up people’s lives.”
Police Scotland say there have been sporadic reports of scary clowns in some parts of the country.
Superintendent David Duncan said: “The reports which have been made to local police officers are being investigated and do not specifically involve threats or violence.
“However, any person seeking to cause distress and potential harm to anyone should be aware that police will take action.”