WITH Hallowe’en just around the corner, the scary clown craze sweeping the UK from America has prompted police to issue warnings.

Police said the actions of those dressed as clowns could frighten others and their behaviour could lead to them being arrested for a public order offence.

Thousands of people have used the hashtag #killerclowns with a surge since the beginning of October.

Pranksters dressing up as clowns have been jumping out and scaring people on the street.

Surrey Police Superintendent Duncan Greenhalgh said: “We have received a number of reports of people being intimidated or frightened by others dressed as clowns.

“We have also received a number of calls in relation to reports on social media of clowns coming to Surrey.

“We know people have concerns about the incidents and any behaviour that causes alarm and distress is not welcome in our local communities.”

Hampshire Police said there had been a number of reports of such incidents across the county with many schoolchildren being un-nerved after reading stories on the internet.

Sussex Police’s Sergeant Ed Ripley said: “This is a very irresponsible act which could impact significantly on the well-being of people who are targeted by these pranksters.”

The craze is believed to have been partly inspired by a film remake of It from the Stephen King novel and the release of promotional pictures.

Makers, New Line Cinema, recently denied any involvement in the sightings after commentators pointed out the coincidental timing of the release of promotional pictures.

An American-based studio spokesman said “New Line is absolutely not involved in the rash of clown sightings.”

Stephen King has tweeted: “Hey, guys, time to cool the clown hysteria – most of ’em are good. Cheer up the kiddies, make people laugh.”