A total of 23 "clown incidents" were reported to Cumbria police in the 24 hours up to this morning - including in Eden. Police in South Wales, Gloucestershire, Bedfordshire, Essex and Northumbria have also dealt with a string of incidents.
POLICE are warning people to exercise cautious if they are approached by any clowns in The Hills district. Three cases have so far been deemed criminal offences.
Superintendent Duncan Greenhalgh said: "Although these reports are not restricted to the Surrey area, we would urge people to refrain from such activity". "Kent is not the only county seeing this trend and while some might find it amusing, the act of frightening or threatening others may be enough to warrant criminal offences under the Public Order Act".
Over the weekend there were several reported sightings of people dressed in clown masks whose main aim was to frighten people either by jumping our from behind a bush or by chasing them.
"Keep Clowns Out Of Kent" are a facebook group created to "help raise awareness, and keep people safe", against any potential clown attacks.
Thames Valley Police said clowns were "tying up resources which could impact on calls to other incidents".
More news: Cheer up, Americans, say Canadians _ you're great
"We are hoping that this craze will pass this week and we would urge the small minority of people still taking part to stop".
A 19-year-old student dressed as a clown and brandishing a chainsaw caused panic after running through Brunel University campus yesterday. Police do say that if anyone feels unsafe police should be called immediately, clown or not.
The victim was walking through Eaton Park in the city at around 8.24pm on Sunday when she was targeted in the creepy prank.
There has been at least one report involving someone carrying a weapon. "Not only could they by committing a public order offence, which will see police action, their actions could cause delays for other emergencies requiring police attendance".
"On some occasions these sightings have generated multiple reports to our call takers, which could divert resources away from responding to other incidents". They could be arrested and ultimately end up with a criminal record.
