Phantom Clowns/Killer Clowns
The Phantom Clowns are an odd phenomenon encountered in New England, 1981. Many others were seen in various locations during the spring of 1981. Witnesses described various clowns attempting to lure away children, often into vans. They were noted to have targeted elementary school children, often trying to lure children in with candy. Some brandished weapons. They evaded capture and detection by any, other than potential victims. Despite their name, they are believed to be flesh and blood. They do however add a layer of validity to a larger Urban Legend of killer clowns.
Citations:
American Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales: An Encyclopedia of American Folklore [3 Volumes]: An Encyclopedia of American Folklore (3 Volumes). United States, ABC-CLIO, 2016.
Citro, Joseph A.. Weird New England (Weird). United States, Sterling Publishing Company, 2005.
Jenkins, Greg. Chronicles of the Strange and Uncanny in Florida. United States, Pineapple Press, 2014.