A DAD-OF-ONE said he was left with severe hand injuries after he was attacked by a knife-wielding clown.

Simon Chinery said he fears he has been left ‘disabled for life’ after the knife slashed four ligaments in his right hand.

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The 28-year-old said he got off the bus in Haslingden Road, Blackburn after returning from a night out in Darwen.

After walking away from the cashpoint near Starbucks, he turned to see a clown armed with a 10 inch kitchen knife.

As the clown lifted the knife the joiner grabbed it to defend himself causing slash wounds to his hand.

Police said they had been informed of the alleged incident but had yet to interview the victim.

Mr Chinery, of Shadsworth said the attack left him feeling ‘sick to his stomach’.

He said: “I have never been as petrified in my life.

“I was literally sick to my stomach. It was like something out of a horror movie.”

The clown involved in Sunday’s incident was said to be wearing a green curly wig with black eye make up, a red nose and red beard painted.

He was also said to be wearing green trousers, a white fitted top, latex gloves and black boots.

Mr Chinery said: “He didn’t have a mask on but his make-up looked scary.

“His eyes were piercing black.

“I just panicked.

“He held the knife towards me and I used my instinct and tried to push the knife away. I grabbed it and he pulled, I worked against the blade and my fingers exploded.

“There was blood everywhere.”

Following the incident Mr Chinery said he punched the clown with his left hand and as he fell to the floor he ran away.

He said: “I didn’t know what to do it happened so quickly.

“I was in shock so I just ran home and my mum phoned an ambulance.”

Mr Chinery was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital to a see a specialist.

Doctors told him his hand may have long lasting damage and he will need reconstructive surgery.

Mr Chinery works at Rockdoor, in Partnership Way, Blackburn hanging doors for a living.

He said: “This attack has ruined my life.

“I am disabled from this and can’t return to my trade.

“I am just glad I wasn’t with my son or my nieces or nephews.

“I was absolutely hysterical. people behaving like this needs to stop. I have been having nightmares and the pain is unreal.

“Parents and children need to know what’s happening because it’s getting out of control.”

Community leaders said they were appalled to hear of the attack as police appealed for witnesses.

Shadsworth councillor Jim Shorrock said: “I think this is absolutely appalling.

“I have heard it is prevalent in Blackburn at the moment.

“These are not practical jokers and I know it’s not kids messing about.

“It’s a person taking it too far and I am devastated to hear that one of my constituents has been badly hurt.

“I hope the police clamp down on this because it’s an absolutely ridiculous situation and highly upsetting.”

A Lancashire police spokesman said: “We have had it reported to us that a 28-year-old man was walking home along Haslingden Road in Blackburn, close to Starbucks, at around 8.45pm on October 11 and has been approached by someone dressed as a clown.

“It appears the male clown has pulled out a knife which the victim, who is from Blackburn, tried to grab.

“He has received injuries to his fingers.

“He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital and was then transferred to Royal Preston Hospital.

“An investigation has now been launched in to this incident. No arrest have been made.

“Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log number LC2016-1011-0779.”