Sinister Doncaster clown promises more 'attacks' as popularity soars

The character, simply titled Doncaster Clown, was reportedly prowling the streets of Rossington last night and posted a photo on Facebook claiming to be in West End Lane in the village and menacingly announcing: "Anyone want a hug?"

In another post, the character wrote: "Rosso tonight. Tomorrow, who knows?"

A later post appeared to suggest the clown was heading for Stainforth, adding: "Going to a walk around East Lane in Stainey tonight. Don't let me see you out..."

In less than 24 hours after the Doncaster Clown Facebook page was set up, more than 1,700 people have liked the page and stories about the clown's movements and threats have gone viral on social media.

Several users have threatened the clown with violence if they encounter him or her on the streets of Doncaster while others have admitted they are terrified at the prospect of coming face to face with the figure.

Lewis Grimes wrote on the clown's Facebook page: "Me and my mate were driving through Rosso last night and saw this f***** coming out of a bush, we slowed down to see what it was all about and he walked straight towards our car!!!

"We s*** us sens and drove off as fast as we could!! I can assure you this s** is not fake!"

The character, who reportedly brought fear to streets of the town three years ago despite no confirmed sightings, began a new wave of fear yesterday with the chilling message: "I'm coming back. Keep your eyes open..."

There were reported "sightings"on social media of the spooky clown haunting the streets of Doncaster in 2013 and police were moved to reassure the public after scores of reports of residents donning clown costumes and stalking the streets to terrify residents.

However, Rossington Safer Neighbourhood Team quashed the reports and told parents to reassure their children.

In a statement issued at the time on its Facebook page, the SNT said: “We are aware that there are a number of reports circulating on social media of a clown being seen on the streets of South Yorkshire.

“There have been no actual sightings of a clown reported to police or any crimes committed.”

“This has also gone viral throughout the country, please reassure your children.”

In a spate of incidents throughout 2013, clowns had supposedly been sighted on the streets of Grimsby, Lincoln, Retford, Scunthorpe, Mansfield, Bradford, Sheffield and Hull with the incidents seemingly stemming from a series of incidents in Northampton from earlier in the year when photographs of a man dressed as Pennywise the Clown from 1980s horror film Stephen King’s It began circulating.