BIRMINGHAM, England – December 23, 2008 - Airport security chiefs strip-searched a clown on his way onto a plane, because they thought he could’ve been a terrorist.

Children’s entertainer Dave Vaughan - aka PC Konk the clown - was frisked by security guards at Birmingham International Airport after setting off a security alarm, and was ordered by cops to strip down from his clown costume to shorts and tee-shirt.

Stunned PC Konk - who was wearing bright blue clown trousers, massive shoes and a flashing police helmet - was trying to board a flight for disadvantaged children.

He had been booked by Variety Club Midlands to perform for children on the Search for Santa trip, which involves a one-hour round flight.

PC Konk was even made to hand over his plastic handcuffs, as they were deemed a ’risk’.

Vaughan, 60, from Shard End, Birmingham, who has been a children’s entertainer for 25 years, said, “I just couldn’t believe it when they told me to get undressed so they could search me and my belongings.

“I showed them my policeclown identity card, which had my picture next to my credentials as a member of the Criminal Insane Department, but I don’t think that really helped!

“My plastic scissors and camera got through fine, as did my funny glasses and bubble machine, but then they discovered my plastic toy handcuffs. I told them I had bought them from the Early Learning Centre especially for the trip but they still said they were a risk.

“I suppose they have to be really safety-conscious nowadays, but I’ve never had this problem before when I’ve been to international clown conventions abroad.”

David Dunckly, spokesman for Variety Club Midlands, said, “It’s ridiculous that they needed to strip search PC Konk right down to his shorts. He told us that he normally uses pink fluffy handcuffs, but they have a little bit of metal in them, so he thought plastic ones would be safer. Thankfully, he was let through in the end but it’s security gone mad.”

A spokesman for Birmingham International Airport said, “PC Konk certainly did a great job of keeping everyone at the airport entertained, however, he was required to give in his handcuffs at security in line with national security regulations.

“PC Konk then passed speedily through before getting on with the important job of putting smiles on the faces of the Variety Club children, who all enjoyed a day to remember.”