A MAN was injured by a clown during a “frightening” late-night attack in Bournemouth.

The victim was walking along Richmond Park Road at around 11pm on Friday when a man dressed as a clown grabbed him and dragged him along the street.

The attack left the victim with a bloody nose, ripped jeans and grazes to his knee.

Police are investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called at 11.21pm on Friday, October 7, to reports of a man being attacked by a clown in Richmond Park Road.

“Nothing was said by the offender who ran off after the incident.

“He was wearing a black and brown wig, a clown-painted face, a yellow jacket, and black trousers.

“The victim declined medical attention.”

The attack has happened amid a national ‘killer clown’ craze, which has seen a spate of incidents involving pranksters or criminals dressed as clowns trying to scare innocent bystanders.

The culprits are said to be following a trend that started in the US in late summer.

Dorset Police said they had received a “number of reports” of members of the public being scared by people in clown costumes between Friday, October 7, and Sunday, October 9.

The incidents happened in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Blandford.

Bournemouth North Neighbourhood inspector Dave Kewley said: “While it obviously is not an offence to wear a costume in public, we would ask people to think about their behaviour toward others and what impact it may have. Anti-social behaviour and any actions that cause fear and distress will not be tolerated and could constitute a public order offence. Incidents such as these may seem harmless but can be frightening to those who experience it.”

Elsewhere in the country, Thames Valley Police dealt with 14 reports in 24 hours.

And a masked man carrying a knife jumped out on a group of children aged 11 and 12 while they were on their way to the Hermitage Academy in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.