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'Creepy clown' police warnings as craze spreads 'Creepy clown' police warnings as craze spreads
(35 minutes later)
Police across England have been called to dozens of incidents in which pranksters dress as "creepy clowns" to deliberately scare people.Police across England have been called to dozens of incidents in which pranksters dress as "creepy clowns" to deliberately scare people.
The culprits are said to be following a trend that started in the US.The culprits are said to be following a trend that started in the US.
In County Durham on Friday, four children were followed to school by a man in a clown outfit who was armed with what looked like a machete. A 30-year-old man was arrested in Norwich after someone dressed as a clown jumped out from behind a tree and "terrified" a woman in a public park.
On Sunday Thames Valley Police said it had been called to 14 incidents in 24 hours.On Sunday Thames Valley Police said it had been called to 14 incidents in 24 hours.
In a separate incident in County Durham on Friday, police in Peterlee posted a photo on their Facebook page of items, including two masks, which they had confiscated from two 12 year olds who they said had gone to a primary school to scare children. 'Frightening experience'
In the Norwich incident, the woman was walking alone in Eaton Park at about 20:30 BST on Sunday when the man leapt out, screamed at her and ran after her.
Supt Lynne Cross, of Norfolk Police, said such incidents "may seem harmless, but it is quite frightening to those who experience it".
In County Durham on Friday, four children were followed to school by a man in a clown outfit who was armed with what looked like a machete.
In a separate incident in County Durham on Friday, police in Peterlee posted a photo on their Facebook page of items, including two masks, which they had confiscated from two 12-year-olds who they said had gone to a primary school to scare children.
Elsewhere, a cyclist in Eastbourne, Sussex, was left "shaken" after someone dressed as a clown jumped out from a bush brandishing what he believed was an offensive weapon.Elsewhere, a cyclist in Eastbourne, Sussex, was left "shaken" after someone dressed as a clown jumped out from a bush brandishing what he believed was an offensive weapon.
Meanwhile, Gloucestershire Police said it had received six reports of "clowns" behaving suspiciously, or carrying knives. In one instance a child was followed.Meanwhile, Gloucestershire Police said it had received six reports of "clowns" behaving suspiciously, or carrying knives. In one instance a child was followed.
In Sudbury, Suffolk, a boy was chased by "several people dressed as clowns".In Sudbury, Suffolk, a boy was chased by "several people dressed as clowns".
'Impact on others'
Thames Valley Police said it was "tying up resources which could impact on calls to other incidents".Thames Valley Police said it was "tying up resources which could impact on calls to other incidents".
Chief Supt Andy Boyd said: "While we do not want to be accused of stopping people enjoying themselves, we would also ask those same people to think of the impact of their behaviour on others and themselves.Chief Supt Andy Boyd said: "While we do not want to be accused of stopping people enjoying themselves, we would also ask those same people to think of the impact of their behaviour on others and themselves.
"Their actions can cause fear and anxiety to other people. This could be perceived to be intimidating and threatening which could lead to public order offences, arrest and a criminal record.""Their actions can cause fear and anxiety to other people. This could be perceived to be intimidating and threatening which could lead to public order offences, arrest and a criminal record."
The clown craze began in the US in late summer and has since spread to Canada and Australia.The clown craze began in the US in late summer and has since spread to Canada and Australia.
Schools in Texas and Alabama were shut down, while the White House press secretary had to field questions about the president's stance on the phenomenon.Schools in Texas and Alabama were shut down, while the White House press secretary had to field questions about the president's stance on the phenomenon.