A FORMER Mayor of Derry says children in the city have been terrified and unable to sleep after being victims of the “Killer Clown” craze.
The craze involves people dressing up as clowns and scaring or intimidating members of the public.
The phenomenon started in the US and has reached Irish shores.
Former Sinn Fein Mayor Elisha McCallion has called on those involved to desist from what she described as the “dangerous activity” before someone was “seriously injured or worse.”
The Sinn Fein councillor for the Ballyarnett area said: “I have received a number of reports from different areas of the city of incidents of individuals dressed as clowns and carrying what appeared to be knives.
“Parents are reporting children being terrified and unable to sleep after witnessing these individuals carrying out pranks.
“I am calling on anyone involved in this activity to desist immediately.
“I am also calling on parents to check if teenagers have purchased clown outfits recently and if so impress on them the distress and fear these pranks can have on children and vulnerable people.
“The PSNI should be notified of any pranks or sighting of anyone participating in this dangerous craze.”
Cllr McCallion concluded: “Anyone acting in a manner that causes distress or potential harm to others even as a so-called prank should be aware that they are liable to prosecution.”
Tags: