Just who is the mysterious Northampton clown? Residents spooked by nighttime appearances of sinister costume-wearing joker

He's not the usual kind of character spotted alone on the streets of a quiet English town.

But residents in Northampton have become increasingly spooked by this clown figure who keeps popping up at night in their town centre.

The sinister figure - dressed like the clown from Stephen King's horror film, 'It', sports a frizzy red wig and full costume when he waves at passers-by.

One woman even reported the clown had knocked on her front door and offered to paint her windowsills - despite having no equipment on him.

There has been no explanation for the sudden night-time appearances of the joker, but he has even set up a Facebook group detailing his bizarre exploits.

He signs off each update with 'beep beep' - the notorious Stephen King character's catchphrase.

Since his first appearance on Friday 13th the clown has sparked a raft of speculation among worried locals who fear he may be up to no good.

Other residents have even threatened to ATTACK the evil-looking clown if they ever see him across the East Midlands town.

But he has since taken to social networks to defend his actions and says he just 'wants to be spotted.'

He wrote: 'Too much hate not enough love.

'To prove i'm real to all the lovers and doubters, i'll see you in town today. Keep those eyes peeled.

'I don't terrorise people I just want to be spotted.

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'I'm also 'not' on twitter as it confuses the heck out of me.

'However, i might go for a jog around that pond in Abington park later as i'm really unfit... See you around! Beep Beep!'

The Northampton Clown has been spotted in several locations across the town since he first appeared on Friday.

Since then he has been snapped by locals clutching a set of juggling clubs and even colourful balloons in one shot.

The most recent shot, taken on Sunday evening, showed him stood in the middle of a shopping district at around 11pm.

In a caption to the shot he wrote: 'Beep Beep! Didn't think i'd be seen tonight. Extremely quiet but there were a few of you who saw. See you all around.'

Some social network users with coulrophobia - a fear of clowns - have pleaded with him to stop.

Others say they are simply 'freaked out' by his late night appearances.

Kelly Keen wrote:  'You've been spotted now get out of the clown suit and start acting like a grown up that you supposing are and stop scaring people as some people do have real fears of clowns and you are terrorising them despite what you may say.'

However, others praised the prankster for creating a talking point among locals and providing local mystery.

Jay Gould wrote: 'Poor clown just trying to liven up Northampton and people threatening to hurt him.'

Jessica Maffre (corr) wrote: 'Loving all this, it's brightened up boring old Northampton a treat, people need to stop taking things so serious and just enjoy the fun, don't try and ruin it, and please dont be violent towards the clown.'

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Northamptonshire Police confirmed they had received calls from members of the public reporting three clown-related sightings over the weekend.

However, they said no crimes had been reported involving people dressed as clowns or any arrests been made in connection with the clown sightings.