North Yorkshire hit by spate of 'clown' incidents
Parents are being asked to warn their children of the consequences of trying to frighten people following a spate of 'clown' incidents across North Yorkshire.
Last night North Yorkshire Police received at least eight reports about young people dressed up as clowns, jumping out at them or chasing after them.
These included:
Near Westfield Primary School, York - two youths with masks and one carrying a baseball bat frightened two 11-year-old boys.
Primary school aged boy in Strensall was seen dressed as a clown, jumping out at people and shouting at them.
Youths dressed as clowns in Whitley Bridge, one carrying what appeared to be a knife, were chasing a group of girls and shouting after them.
Boy chased by two older boys dressed as clowns at Seamer Cricket Field in Scarborough.
In Northallerton, a member of the public reported a singing clown at their door.
Group of five youths wearing clown masks were seen jumping out at cars on Malpas Road, Northallerton. Police officers stopped the youths and they handed over their masks for destruction.
Clown stood in the middle of the road in Skipton, vehicle had to swerve to avoid it.
Clown banging on the window of pizza restaurant on the High Street, Skipton.
Police are urging anyone who is frightened or alarmed to contact them on 101, or 999 if there is a threat to safety.
They also issued the following warning: