A clown that has been stalking the streets of a Scottish village has been playing games with the residents.
The masked character, wearing a Pennywise-style outfit, left boxed clues around Skelmorlie on Friday 13th and challenged the villagers to solve the riddle.
The locals teamed up to find all the red boxes, which eventually led them to the North Ayrshire village’s community garden.
A small black cash box awaited their discovery. But instead of treasure inside, the villagers were greeted with their own reflection via a mirror that had the word “clown” written on it.
Speaking to Sky News, the Skelmorlie clown rhymed: “Hello again, Jen, that’s correct, yes. They solved my riddle with just 10 hours left.
“The clue led them on to a popular place, in the heart of the village where I hide in the day.
“They then had to hunt for a thing with a lock. After a third hunting party, they found a black box.
“After all their hard work, they opened it up and gasped – to be met with their own face staring back.”
The clown made headlines across the globe last week for their “message to the media” and cheeky “dare” for the police to catch them – although there is no suggestion any crime has been committed.
Isy Agnew was one of the villagers who solved the riddle after waking up on Friday to find a red balloon and box that included a key outside her door.
Ms Agnew told Sky News that the village Facebook page was “buzzing”.
On opening the final box and seeing a mirror with the word “clown” written on it, Ms Agnew said: “Clever, smart, inclusive of everyone.”
The clown’s games are expected to run up to Halloween.
A Facebook account for the Skelmorlie clown has been set up with the name Cole Deimos. The profile says the character “studied at Clown School” and lives in Skelmorlie.
Those that know the identity of the clown – who seemingly first appeared in the village two years ago – are so far keeping their lips sealed as to who’s behind the mask.
The rhyme to Sky News could imply that the clown works or volunteers at Skelmorlie Community Garden.
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The clown’s Pennywise-style outfit alongside previous pictures and videos posted online have led to other reports of locals being “terrified”. But when contacted by Sky News, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police have not received any reports.”
Pennywise the Dancing Clown is the main antagonist in Stephen King’s It.
The character stalks the streets of Derry in Maine, where he kills children roughly every 27 years.
The 1986 horror novel was made into a two-part mini-series in 1990 with Tim Curry in the role. Bill Skarsgard then played the villain in the Hollywood adaptations in 2017 and 2019.
Ms Agnew said: “Skelmorlie is a wonderful community and that is exactly what Cole Deimos and his Halloween appearances personifies.
“As a whole, the village waits with bated breath at this time of year.
“There is nothing sinister or creepy – just a way to bring the community together. This year is no different.
“As far as I’m concerned, personally I love it. My grandchildren love it too. They’re thrilled granny has had a visit from Pennywise.”
