Police have denied rumours on social media that a 78-year-old man died in Farsley after being involved in a ‘clown attack’.
At just after 2.30pm today a 78-year-old local man died suddenly at the Fleece Public House on Farsley Town Street.
But Insp Simon Jessup denied online rumours that the man had been victim of a ‘clown attack’, a sinister craze across the UK. Insp Jessup said the man had suffered a ‘medical emergency’ but added:
“It is being suggested that the gentleman was frightened by people wearing masks (as in the lown attacks that have been widely reported recently) prior to collapsing. Indeed, this was suggested to the police officers who attended initially.
“A comprehensive investigation has been conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department incorporating CCTV of the incident and the lead up to it being checked and witnesses being interviewed by police officers.
“At this time we are satisfied that this is not what occurred. The gentlemen did speak to three men outside the pub, one of whom was wearing what is believed to be an Incredible Hulk mask. At no time did any of the men frighten or threaten him and there is nothing to suggest that the gentleman was frightened by them.
“To be clear, West Yorkshire Police can confirm that this incident was a medical emergency and not in any way a version of the clown attacks that have been widely reported in the international, national and local media.
“Our thoughts are with the gentleman’s family at this distressing time.”
The “killer clown” craze that began in the United States has gone global, with incidents reported in the UK, Australia and Canada.