Axe-wielding clown arrested at Victorian fast food outlet
An axe-wielding 'clown' has been arrested in Victoria after taunting people outside a fast food outlet.
Victoria Police received a number of calls regarding a person wearing a clown mask and approaching people at car park in Moe, on the Princes Freeway, about 3.30am Sunday.
A clown mask, axe and baseball bat were found during a car search, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old Eagle Point man.
He has been released and is expected to be charged on summons with assault, weapons, public order and disguise-related offences.
The arrest comes after a young Queensland girl was sent a terrifying picture message via Instagram, from a "creepy clown" asking if she "wanted to play a game," while wielding a knife.
Her concerned mother took to social media to post the following message, "A little concerning guys. My daughter received a message on Instagram today from someone calling themselves gympie_clown asking her if she wanted to play a game," the mother wrote, according to APN.
She then went on to state, "I reported this to police, will be showing them tomorrow".
This message was sent as the terrifying "creepy clown" craze continues to sweep across Australia, with several people claiming to have seen costumed characters in recent days.
Several sightings have been reported of people dressing up as clowns to scare members of the community.
Police have responded issuing a warning to the pranksters that their behavior will not be tolerated.
In the picture sent to the young child, the clown was wearing a red wig, makeup and wielding a large knife.
"We understand that some people are getting involved (in the "clown purge") for a bit of fun, however this arrest is a timely reminder that this behaviour is not amusing, and in many cases, it is criminal behaviour," Victoria Police said in a statement.
The penalty for possessing an article of disguise is up two years imprisonment.
Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has also weighed in on the issue, saying anyone intimidated by someone acting out the social media clown craze should contact police.
The craze has taken off across the world and involves people dressing as clowns and scaring people.
Queensland police have frowned upon the clown craze, warning they will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour.
"It's clear this is part of a social media stunt," Ms Trad said on Sunday.
"These antics have been initiated to threaten or scare people. Queensland police understand the antics involved and they will not tolerate anti-social behaviour.
"It's important that the Queensland community assist police and make sure incidents are reported."
Queensland Police say they have yet to encounter anything untoward and people who get involved in the craze should be careful not to break the law.
"While there have been no reports of physical threats or acts of violence involving 'clowns', police will not tolerate anyone engaging in intimidating or anti-social behaviour," police said in a statement.
What is the clown purge of 2016?
