Clown prankster targets County Durham schoolchildren

The children were walking to the Hermitage Academy in Chester-le-Street

Four children were left terrified after a man dressed as a clown followed them to school in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

The man, was wearing a mask and face paint and was also carrying a knife, said police.

Officers described the incident as "a prank".

It comes after a series of clown attacks in Newcastle involving people jumping out and scaring schoolchildren.

The Chester-le-Street pupils, aged 11 and 12, were on their way to the Hermitage Academy at 0840 BST when they were given the fright.

'Much larger prank'

Neighbourhood Sgt Mel Sutherland said: "The children arrived at school understandably upset and distressed by this incident and we are currently trying to locate this man.

"We believe this to be part of a much larger prank which is currently sweeping across the USA and parts of the UK.

"It is very alarming he was carrying a knife. However, we do not think he intended to harm the children and as far as we are aware, this is part of the prank."

There are current proposals to increase the sentences of people who carry knives.

A number of Killer Clown social media accounts have sprung up in the North East, with some containing school hit lists.

In a statement, Northumbria Police said it was aware of plans to turn up at different locations dressed as clowns.

"We still do not believe there to be any risk to any members of the public, but we will always take this type of incident seriously.

"A 13-year-old boy was arrested in the Blakelaw area of the city on Tuesday following reports of someone dressed as a clown attempting to scare passers-by," it said.