Airport staff strip search clown wearing police outfit

Dec 20 2008

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 bought plastic ones would be safer.

“Pc Konk has always been great with the kids and we were all rather shocked when we found out he had been strip searched in a private room.

“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 are 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.”