French town bans clowns

A month-long ban on clown attire and makeup was imposed this week by Mayor Pierre Dudieuzere of Vendargues, France, following assaults by "dressed-up teens."

Pranksters in France have reportedly been emulating the Wasco Clown, a mysterious figure whose creepy photos have inspired a wave of copycats in France and the southern United States. Photos of the figure posted online show a clown in yellow and blue, with a white, scarred mask, red hair and black eyes. Various photos show the clown sitting on a swing, walking through a parking lot and riding a rocking horse – all at night, and all while holding a clutch of balloons.

Previously.