People in Gloucestershire have become the latest area to report sightings of so-called “killer clowns”.
People wearing clown masks, acting suspiciously and wielding knives have been seen in the area – with police saying they had received a number of reports.
The craze has become increasingly common in the US and has led to copycat incidents in Britain.
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Gloucestershire Police said people have been scared and it is wasting their time and resources.
A spokesman said: “The reports have been made in the Gloucester area and have mostly involved clowns carrying knives. In one case a child was followed.
“Clearly this has scared people and caused real distress. We have attended these incidents as grade one emergencies and that limits our ability to attend to other incidents.
“We haven’t traced anyone involved as yet as they have disappeared by the time we arrive, but anyone we do find will be dealt with appropriately.
“Whether those involved are doing it for a joke or not, this is no laughing matter.
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“These are stupid acts that are really frightening people and wasting our time. Please don't be tempted to do it. Think of the consequences.”
There have been a number of “killer clown” incidents across the UK, including a masked man carrying a knife leaving a group of children aged 11 and 12 “upset and distressed” in County Durham.
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