Creepy Northampton clown caught on video for first time - emerging from a LAKE

The 'Northampton clown' who shot to fame for spooking residents of the quiet town has appeared on video - emerging from a lake.

The sinister-looking jester was mysteriously pictured around the East Midlands town sporting full make-up and a frizzy red wig last week.

He has amassed a worldwide following after being spotted across Northampton waving at passers-by, carrying a teddy bear and even a bunch of colourful balloons.

So far, the clown -  who bears an uncanny resemblance to movie monster Pennywise from Stephen King's 'It' - has only been snapped by spooked residents.

But video footage of the prankster has now emerged for the first time since his debut appearance on Friday 13th this month.

The 30-second clip shows the creepy clown standing in the water at Abington Park as he waves for the camera clutching a balloon.

The timing of the images coincided with the arrival on stage of pop group Madness, who were playing just a few hundred yards away from the park at Northamptonshire County Cricket Ground.

He posted a link on his Facebook group detailing his exploits with the caption: 'So you are all at a gig...but just down the road i emerged....They all float!!! Beep Beep!'

Diarmuid Michael Cholmain wrote on the page:  'That scared the s**t outta me!' while Lisa von Matterhorn simply declared: 'Creepy'.

However, other residents have welcomed the mysterious sightings of the clown and have since labelled him a local legend.

Jason Wilde put: 'Keep up the fine work. You are an awesome distraction in this too serious world.'

Stuart Burt added: 'Putting Northampton well and truly on the map #legend.'

Other fans from further afield also posted messages of support with Holly Payne adding: 'Sending so much love from Hollywood! You have a HUGE fan base here! Beep Beep!'

Last week it emerged that people had travelled from as far away as the United States in search of the clown- who has gained 170,000 followers on his Facebook page.

However, he revealed he had also received more than 1,000 death threats sent to his inbox, but still vowed to continue appearing across the town.

Last week he broke his silence and in his first interview claimed he was not trying to scare anyone.

The clown - who wishes to remain anonymous - said: 'I just wanted to amuse people.

'Most people enjoy being a bit freaked out and then they can laugh about it afterwards.

'It’s like watching a horror movie, when people get scared they usually start laughing.

'Naturally, some people would have been extremely frightened by what they saw.

'But I hope many are starting to see it as a bit of harmless fun.'