IN the past week there have been almost 30 reports of clown-related incidents in Worcestershire and police are warning people in the area that pranks involving clown masks could result in police action.
An American craze for dressing in creepy clown masks to deliberately frighten people appears to have come to the UK and has already resulted in reports in the area.
Since last Wednesday (October 5) there have been 28 clown related incidents in the Worcestershire, including social media posts and clown profiles trying to add people as a friend on the social networking site as well as as reports of people being seen dressed as clowns.
Of these incidents, 22 were in south Worcestershire and six were in north Worcestershire.
Superintendent Kevin Purcell said: “Since last week we have received reports from scared and worried members of the public who have seen or been approached by people dressed up as clowns. We believe this is linked to a wider trend across the country and in the USA.
“Whilst we understand that such incidents could be considered pranks by some I would like to appeal to those carrying out this behaviour, or thinking of taking part, to really consider the distress and fear they could cause people, particularly the more vulnerable members of our community such as children and the elderly.
“I would also warn them that there are further consequences to their behaviour.
“Not only could they by committing a public order offence, which will see police action, but their actions could cause delays for other emergencies requiring police attendance.”
