A FATHER claims he fought off a ‘killer clown’ who attacked him in a dark alleyway at night.

Daniel Bissell, who lives in Gloucester Road, Malvern, claims he traded punches with the clown before his attacker ran away.

The incident happened in Malvern at 9.30pm on Monday, October 10, amid reports of 'killer clown' encounters across the county.

Mr Bissell said: “He tried to punch me in the face. I took a step back and swung at him with my right hand."

The 29-year-old claims the clown ducked his punch and then fled, with the resident chasing after him.

“I think he was surprised, he met his match and ran away. It could have ended badly,” he added.

“I’m just glad it happened to me, it could have been worse and happened to my kids.”

Terrified people have been ringing South Worcestershire Police about clown sightings.

The craze started in the United States where people in clown costumes have brandished knives and guns, chased young people and even have attempted to lure children into woods.

The father-of-two claims the encounter occurred after his shift at the Morrisons store warehouse, next to the Worcester Road.

“He jumped out from behind a tree when I was halfway through the alleyway on the opposite side of the Morrisons car park,” he said.

“He just kind of went ‘raaahhh’ but I didn’t notice a weapon as it was dark and it all happened so quickly.

“It was dark as there’s no lighting down the alleyway. He was wearing a clown costume and had a clown mask on.

“It could have happened to someone else, a female co-worker or someone much older who can’t defend themselves.”

The alleyway is bordered by a fence on one side and a line of trees on the other, said Mr Bissell.

He added: “There were police circling around the retail park all night and I have been told there have been a few ‘killer clown’ sightings in Malvern Link.

“I was cautious with these stories. I think it’s stupid. I don’t get the point of dressing up as a clown and trying to attack people.”

The father says if the clown had targeted his children, the youngest of which is 17-months-old, he would not have held back.

“I have got two kids and it’s a scary prospect. I don’t want my kids meeting them."

The father says he rang 101 after the incident and they passed it on to the local police. He also told a passing police car what had happened.

“Afterwards I went into the alleyway to see if I could sight him,” he added.

Mr Bissell says his attacker was about 5ft 11 inches; wearing bright trousers and a dark top.

One of the resident’s neighbours told him that a clown was also spotted outside their home on Friday night.

He now wants to warn people about the 'killer clowns' and has advised locals to avoid alleyways.

The father added that police had told him most of the encounters have been reported in alleyways.

The clown fled towards the main road and then escaped into the trees, according to Mr Bissell.

A West Mercia Police spokesman confirmed they received a report about a clown on Worcester Road, Malvern, at 9.40pm on October 10.

Inspector Brian Gibbs, of Malvern Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Whilst it is not clear if an offence has been committed, dressing as a clown is not an offence.

"But choosing to scare an individual, cause harassment, distress or alarm could result in an arrest.

"If you choose to scare the wrong person, then this may lead to them retaliating in defence."