Police Scotland have issued a warning to would be pranksters after a trend of “killer clowns” scaring children spread to the UK.
The message comes after a masked man with a painted face jumped out at a group of school children, wearing face paint and carrying a knife.
The pupils, aged 11 and 12, were on their way to the Hermitage Academy in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, at 8.40am when they were given the fright – leaving them distressed but unhurt.
Now Officers in Scotland have warned revellers not to follow suit north of the border or risk facing charges.
A police spokesman said: “Clown sightings on the TV is one thing but catching sight of them in your local community is a different story.
“Although the latest clown craze isn’t quite as crazy here as it is in the U.S. or Australia, we would like to remind people there’s often a fine line between ‘clowning around’ and threatening or alarming behaviour.
“Halloween is just around the corner and we’re not the fun police, by any means.
“But should you choose to dress up in your best jester attire, please be mindful of other people’s sensitivities.
“What was intended as a practical joke could result in a criminal charge.”