A man known for roaming the streets as a killer clown for the last four years is set to return this Halloween season.

The Pennywise impersonator had decided this year to hang up his oversized shoes after abuse from the public, including being threatened with a slap in the face, but now says he will not be deterred and will be out and about tomorrow.

Dressed as the villain from Stephen King’s horror book It, with a white pasty face and red balloons, the 39-year-old anonymous man has in the past shocked pubgoers, cinema workers and unsuspecting motorists in Thanet with his appearance.

The clown says he always lets people know which streets he will be roaming by writing on his Facebook page and people can message him if they want him to avoid an area. He also informs police of his whereabouts beforehand.

While some have been left terrified, others are big fans and were disappointed when the clown initially announced on his Facebook page he would not continue the tradition.

Pennywise, who describes himself as a government worker, told KentOnline: “I do it for fun and if I go to events and private houses, I donate the earnings to charity.

“I am trying to bring joy to Halloween. When it was Covid, everyone was down but everyone enjoyed what I was doing.

“I get threats, such as asking me why I do it, why I am scaring old people, why I am running after people and some said if they see me, they will slap me.

“I do not want myself in that situation.”

Following his retirement announcement, many horror fans expressed their sadness – prompting a U-turn and telling supporters he would return for one final year.

One person wrote on Facebook: “I am not a fan of clowns or scary things but I remember all the positive comments you were getting last year and it became like a competition to spot you and get a photo.

“Please have a re-think and don't let the negative Nellies and Normans spoil it for everyone else.

“The world has enough misery, have some fun.”

Another wrote: “It is not like you are running after people randomly. You always say where you’re going to be and therefore it is not like it’s a complete shock.”

A third simply penned: “I am heartbroken.”

Writing yesterday evening, the costume-wearing enthusiast said: “Due to all your love and support and a lot of consideration, I have decided to bring Pennywise out of retirement for one last time. I will update you all in due course.”

The frightening clown’s enterprise began when he dressed up at Dreamland, despite not working there, and people wanted pictures with him. He has since been pictured in Margate, Broadstairs, Cliftonville and Ramsgate.