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Four people arrested after row over child wearing clown mask Four people arrested after row over child wearing clown mask
(35 minutes later)
Four people have been arrested in Portsmouth after a man allegedly confronted a nine-year-old girl wearing a clown mask.Four people have been arrested in Portsmouth after a man allegedly confronted a nine-year-old girl wearing a clown mask.
A 34-year-old woman, two 18-year-old men and a 17-year-old boy are in police custody after a man was knifed in the Southsea area of the city on Thursday evening.A 34-year-old woman, two 18-year-old men and a 17-year-old boy are in police custody after a man was knifed in the Southsea area of the city on Thursday evening.
The 28-year-old victim was treated by paramedics at the scene following the altercation in Sedgley Close at about 8.30pm. He was taken to Queen Alexandra hospital and treated for his injuries, which were not life-threatening and has since been discharged. The 28-year-old victim was treated by paramedics at the scene following the altercation in Sedgley Close at about 8.30pm. He was taken to Queen Alexandra hospital and treated for his injuries, which were not life-threatening, and has since been discharged.
Witnesses say the stabbing followed a row involving a girl wearing a clown mask who had been returning with her family from a Halloween party at a local community centre.Witnesses say the stabbing followed a row involving a girl wearing a clown mask who had been returning with her family from a Halloween party at a local community centre.
A local resident reported hearing a woman screaming the young girl’s name after the man apparently lashed out at the youngster. A local resident reported hearing a woman screaming the young girl’s name after the man apparently lashed out at the youngster. It is claimed the mother fled with her children before returning with two men, who allegedly stabbed the victim.
It is claimed the mother fled with her children before returning with two men, who allegedly stabbed the victim. DI Linda Howard of Hampshire constabulary said: “It has been reported in the media that this incident was sparked by an earlier altercation involving a child wearing a clown mask. This is one of the lines of inquiry being followed. But at this time we would ask people not to speculate further and instead contact the investigation team if you have any information about what happened.”
DI Linda Howard of Hampshire Constabulary said: “It has been reported in the media that this incident was sparked by an earlier altercation involving a child wearing a clown mask.
“This is one of the lines of enquiry being followed. But at this time we would ask people not to speculate further and instead contact the investigation team if you have any information about what happened.”
“This is one of the lines of enquiry being followed. But at this time we would ask people not to speculate further and instead contact the investigation team if you have any information about what happened.”
A series of incidents in which people wearing clown masks have frightened children have been reported to police in the UK following a scary clown craze that has been sweeping the US.A series of incidents in which people wearing clown masks have frightened children have been reported to police in the UK following a scary clown craze that has been sweeping the US.
Anyone with information can make an anonymous call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Anyone with information can make an anonymous call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.