Airport News
Clown sets off security alarms at Birmingham Airport
Mon, 22 Dec, 2008
Passengers travelling from Birmingham Airport were greeted with a strange sight recently when a clown was strip-searched as he passed through security.
PC Konk - whose real name is David Vaughan - was due to board a plane for a children's charity flight during which he would entertain 100 youngsters.
But the joker was stopped after his costume set off the security alarms and he was asked to remove his baggy trousers, comedy shoes and flashing helmet.
"I'd made sure I'd bought plastic handcuffs and a plastic whistle but I hadn't realised the costume had a metal band," he remarked.
PC Konk also had to remove the liquid from his plastic bubble saxophone and place it in a clear sealed plastic bag before he was allowed through.
However, the 60-year-old entertainer had to board his flight without his handcuffs as staff confiscated them in order to meet national security regulations.
Airports have been urging passengers travelling by air this Christmas to check security and baggage restrictions with individual hubs and airlines prior to leaving home.