A TEENAGER was knocked unconscious and suffered a black eye after being attacked by a group of people dressed as clowns in Basingstoke.

Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that the 18-year-old was assaulted in Sinclair Drive, near the town centre, between 7.30pm and 8.15pm on Saturday by a group of four people wearing clown masks.

The victim was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Officers are investigating the assault, which is believed to be an isolated incident at this time.

However, there have been several other reports of “extremely frightening” incidents involving people dressing up as clowns reported to police in the area.

As previously reported in The Gazette, the craze, which has seen people dressing up as clowns and scaring people on the street, prompted police to issue a warning.  

Superintendent Paul Bartolomeo said: “We don’t want to be killjoys but some of these incidents have been extremely frightening for those involved.

“We would ask people to think about the impact of their actions. What to them is a harmless prank, could be an intimidating and threatening experience to others, especially young children and vulnerable people.

“Also, by taking part in this craze, people could find themselves in a situation which leads to a public order incident. They could be arrested and ultimately end up with a criminal record.

“These incidents are also taking up valuable police time and resources, and will ultimately have an impact on other calls coming into the control room and officers attending other incidents.

“This appears to be a national craze at the moment and we would strongly advise people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight not to be part of it.”

Anyone with information about the assault or who may have seen a group of four people wearing clown masks in the area are asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44160390437.