Cops hunting pranksters dressing up as clowns and jumping out from behind bushes at kids to mimic US craze
Northumbria Police forced to step in as eerie characters leave number of youngsters 'incredibly distressed'
SCHOOLCHILDREN in Newcastle are being targeted by sick pranksters dressing up as clowns and jumping out from bushes to scare them.
The alarming trend – thought to be inspired by a craze in America – has forced police to step in after a number of the youngsters were left “incredibly distressed”.
Northumbria Police said they have received six separate reports of clown sightings since Friday last week, leaving parents and teachers concerned.
While no one has been attacked or injured as of yet, a number of reports of clowns chasing pedestrians down the street have been called in.
Speaking on the bizarre case, inspector Stephen Wykes said: "The people carrying out these pranks may think they're being funny but it is leaving a number of young people incredibly distressed.
"Parents of the children affected, and teachers at our local schools, are understandably concerned and we are working very closely with them as this is not something we want to see happening in our local community.
"There has only been a handful of these incidents, which we think have been inspired by a trend in America, but we are keen to stop them before they cause anyone else further distress.
He continued: "We are keen to identify those people who are dressing up as clowns so we can speak to them about their conduct and establish whether any criminal offence has taken place."
There have been a number of reports across the US of men dressing up in clown costumes in attempt to lure children into the woods, as well as running around with knives and guns.
The eerie trend has led to a number of arrests, with police urging witnesses to take photos of any clowns they see to help identify them.
Anyone with information on the spate of recent clown sightings in Newcastle can contact the police on 101.
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