'There was no clown': Cruise company, police deny reports that fight broke out because of a clown
The brawl that broke out on a P&O cruise ship over the weekend did not include a "passenger dressed as a clown," as initial reports claimed, the cruise line and police say.
Six people were assaulted "during the early hours" Friday onboard a P&O Britannia cruise ship from Bergen, Norway, to Southampton, England, police added. British media originally reported that the fight began after a "passenger dressed as a clown" upset a group of travelers.
"One witness, part of a group involved in the trouble, explained to staff that things kicked off when another passenger appeared dressed as a clown," tweeted Richard Gaisford, an ITV journalist who was onboard the cruise ship. "This upset one of their party because they’d specifically booked a cruise with no (costumes). It led to a violent confrontation."
"There is no information to suggest anyone dressed as a clown, or any type of (costume), was involved in this incident." Hampshire Police Detective Constable Lisa Robins wrote in a statement to USA TODAY Monday.
Michele Andjel, public relations vice president for P&O Cruises/Carnival UK, backed up the police statement: "I can confirm there was no clown," she said.
Three men and three women were assaulted, according to police, with "a number of injuries suffered including significant bruising and cuts." Robins added that two people were arrested on suspicion of assault and have been released amid the ongoing investigation.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Cruise tips: Which items and services are included in your cruise fare and which will cost you?
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: P&O cruises brawl: Line denies fight broke out because of a clown
