A NINE-year-old boy was assaulted in Kingswinford yesterday evening (Monday, October 10), which a UKIP councillor claims could be linked to the recent ‘killer clown’ trend.

West Midlands Police is investigating after the youngster was attacked while walking to a woodcraft group at Dingle Community Primary School, in Madeley Road, at about 7.30pm.

Officers said the boy was punched in the stomach, but was not seriously hurt.

Wordsley ward councillor Kerry Lewis, claims the youngster – who was being watched by his older brother at the time of the assault – was hit by a “teenager wearing a black mask”.

She told the News: “I’ve been told that the boy was approached as he walked past the community centre by a teenager wearing a black mask, who jumped out at him.

“He fell to the floor and was then punched on his head and stomach.

“I don’t know if the attack has anything to do with this American clown thing that is going on at the moment, but behaviour like this is not acceptable.

“I know the Halloween season is nearly here but it doesn’t give people an excuse to go around causing harm to others.

“This young boy has been left badly scared and injured by this attack and many parents I have spoken to are very angry.”

There have been a number of recent reports of incidents relating to the scary ‘killer clown’ craze which started in America and involves people dressing up as clowns and jumping out on unsuspecting victims – in some instances armed with knives.

Many police forces have since warned pranksters that they may face criminal charges if caught clowning around in the street wearing masks – which are believed to have taken inspiration from horror novelist Stephen King’s 1980s tale It.

West Midlands Police officers said enquiries into the assault on the boy are ongoing and are calling for anyone who may be able to assist their investigation to call 101.