Birmingham Airport security chiefs strip-searched a clown on his way onto a plane - because they thought he could’ve been a terrorist.

Kids 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 kids.

He had been booked by Variety Club Midlands to perform for kids 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’.

Dave, 60, from Shard End, Birmingham, who has been a kids 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 the 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.”

Security guards spent 10 minutes examining PC Konk’s outfit, including his clown shoes and fairy bubbles. They eventually released Dave when they discovered his costume featured a metal band which held up his pantaloons the reason he set off the alarm. The entertainer was then allowed back on to the flight to entertain the Variety Club children with a series of funny songs and jokes.

The Thomas Cook-sponsored plane spent one hour in the air as more than 100 disadvantaged children had the time of their lives.

All kids and crew later landed safely back at Birmingham International Airport where PC Konk was reunited with his handcuffs.

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, so he thought plastic ones would be safer. Thankfully, he was let through in the end but it’s security gone mad.”

Passenger advice on Birmingham International Airport’s website states that a team of 300 security guards is employed for the benefit of public safety.

Holidaymakers are advised that any sharp or pointed items should not be carried on to planes, or they could be confiscated and destroyed. But there is no mention of children’s toys or plastic handcuffs.

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.”

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