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Police issue warning over clowns

Police have issued a warning that people dressing up as clowns could be prosecuted for intimidating or threatening behaviour. It follows reports across the region linked to the so-called 'killer clown' craze.

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Police warning over clowns

Reports of anti-social behaviour linked to clowns have increased Credit: Peter Byrne/PA

Police have issued a warning that people dressing up as clowns could be prosecuted for intimidating or threatening behaviour.

Avon & Somerset Police say that during the past few days they have received several reports of people dressed as clowns and behaving in an anti-social and threatening manner.

It follows a number of similar incidents across the country which have been widely reported in the national media.

“These incidents can potentially be very distressing and frightening for those involved and we are taking all reports made to us seriously.

“Anyone involved in intimidating or threatening behaviour may well end up committing an offence, being arrested and having a criminal record and we’d urge them to think carefully about the consequences of their actions.

“We’re aware of a number of social media groups raising concerns about this type of behaviour and we’d ask people to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and to report anything they are worried about to us.

“We’d also like to remind people that in dealing with these issues valuable police resources are also being used, potentially impacting on our capacity to respond to other more serious incidents.”

– Insp Julie Knight, Avon & Somerset Police
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Police issue warning over clowns

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