Attacker on loose after clown stabbed at ‘ultimate scare-fest’

Police are hunting a suspected attacker who is at large after a Halloween “demonic clown” was stabbed with a needle at an immersive “ultimate scare-fest” attraction.

The Zip World Ffear Fforest was temporarily closed on Monday evening so police could investigate an alleged assault of a member of staff who was dressed as one of the horrifying clowns.

The attraction, in Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, North Wales, features a number of rides filled with staff dressed as the clowns to terrifying visitors.

But, it is understood that one of them was injured with a medical needle on Monday.

Site owner Zip World moved to quash rumours of a knife attack but confirmed the victim had come into contact with a “potentially dangerous medical device”.

North Wales Police has said that the device was a needle. An initial statement released by police on Tuesday said: “We were called to a report of an assault at Zip World on the evening of Monday 28th October 2024.

“Enquiries are ongoing and there is no risk to the wider public.”

The force later added: “The victim sustained a needlestick injury but was released from hospital following a precautionary check-up.

“Our investigation into the circumstances of this incident is currently ongoing.”

Zip World released a statement, saying: “There was an incident at our Ffear Fforest event at Betws-y-Coed.

“A potentially dangerous medical device was discovered and the member of staff who came into contact with it was taken to hospital for precautionary medical checks.

“The site was temporarily closed while police investigated the incident.

“Once completed, the site was deemed safe to reopen. We are aware of rumours circulating that a knife attack took place. This is incorrect.

“Ffear Fforest will continue as planned for the remaining events which are running nightly until 3rd November.

“We’d like to reassure customers that their safety and that of our staff remains paramount and, as a precaution, we’ve increased security measures for the remaining nights.”