Clown purge craze hits Melbourne suburbs, but Victoria Police warns it’s no joke
MENACES dressed as creepy clowns with fake knives and cap guns are scaring people on the streets of Melbourne amid threats the “clown purge” will spread.
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MENACES dressed up as creepy clowns have brandished fake knives and cap guns to scare people on the streets of southeastern Melbourne, in the latest “clown purge” activity.
Participants in the bizarre craze are warning residents they will target different suburbs each night before “dangerous clowns” will lurk across the city on October 31, Halloween.
But police are warning the clowning around is no joke, and they will take action.
One man has been arrested in Moe after Gippsland motorists were terrorised over the weekend.
And officers were called when a group of clowns was seen harassing customers and staff at a KFC in Carrum Downs last night.
FIRST ARREST: Man arrested after axe-wielding clown targets takeaway
FIRST SIGHTINGS: Creepy clowns terrify the suburbs
BACKLASH: Real clowns say the craze is not funny
Victoria Police spokeswoman Amara Bostock said police responded to reports three people were dressed as clowns on the Frankston-Dandenong Rd.
“It is believed that two of the clowns were holding pretend knives and the other had a cap gun whilst they stood on the side of the road in view of passing motorists,” Ms Bostock said.
“The three people left the area before police attended.
“Police responded to similar incidents in the area yesterday involving schoolchildren who were seen with clown masks.
“They were given warnings and directed to move on from the area.”
A caller to 3AW’s Neil Mitchell said the clowns were arrested in the carpark at KFC last night.
Police have since clarified that no one was arrested.
One witness told the Herald Sun that the group of masked people entered the KFC store and began “harassing” customers.
“When they realised police had been called they made a break for it,” the man said.
He said while no one was hurt, there were people who would find the clown masks frightening.
“Hopefully they get a fright (from the police action) and stop,” he said.
“Someone could get hurt.”
The clown groups have been warning on Facebook that they would choose particular suburbs in which to lurk.
One of the clown groups posted: “31st of October pls keep all your doors locked and do not leave the house, there will be DANGEROUS Clowns all around Melbourne so for your safety stay indoors thankyou!”
Senior Constable Alistair Parsons said the “clown purge” appeared to be a copycat of incidents in the US.
“Any intimidating and threatening as well as anti-social behaviours will not be tolerated and will be investigated by Police,” Sen-Constable Parsons said.
“Please contact your local police station if you have any concerns.”