Coulrophobia spreads as Clowns attack people in France

Coulrophobia -- the fear of clowns -- is spreading in small towns in northern France as teens dressed up as clowns have been threatening passers-by.

Police arrested a 19-year-old man on Friday for waving a stick made to look like a knife and chasing some teenagers, reports AFP. He received a six-month suspended jail term Monday, as well as 105 hours of community service and banned from carrying a weapon for 5 years.

There were 20 calls on Friday complaining about the clowns and the police made an announcement on social media to condemn them.

Denis Robin, a local government rep said: "It is absolutely unacceptable that children are held hostage by such acts."

Those guilty of using weapons could face three years in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros ($57,500).

The clowns were mostly spotted outside schools, but also on public roads, in bushes, in a square and their targets are often young children or teenagers, but also adults.

OMG. American Horror Story: Freak Show what have you done?

Last week, the Clowns of America International protested the depiction of clowns on the FX show.

H/T: Raw Story