RESIDENTS have been warned against taking ‘retribution’ against pranksters dressing up as evil-looking clowns following a raft of incidents in Cheshire.

Schoolchildren across the UK have been targeted by people dressed in the sinister costumes, apparently inspired by a craze in the US.

Cheshire Police has recieved more than 40 reports linked to the sinister craze, including one in Northwich and one Winsford.

With more and more incidents being reported, Chief Insp Simon Meegan, from the Northwich Local Policing Unit, urged residents not to take justice into their own hands.

He said: “We will say to anyone – do not get involved in any type of altercation or retribution and report any anti-social behaviour to us.”

A police spokesman said it received a report of a clown in Old hall Road, Northwich on Friday, October 7 and a report of clown on Knights Grange in Winsford on Sunday.

Both were in the evening. There were no reports of violence and no arrests were made.

Chief Insp Meegan said: “I would ask people to think before they indulge in this kind of anti-social behaviour and think of the impact it has on people.

“As with any anti-social behaviour it is something we will respond to and with deal with as appropriate.”

Chief Insp Meegan believes the craze sweeping the UK will inevitably die down, though the force is aware they may see more incidents with Halloween around the corner.

He said: “At the moment it is anti-social behaviour, we have to deal with it but it does use police resources that could be used elsewhere.

“As with any Halloween activity, just be considerate.

“What might seem like a joke to one person can be particularly frightening to someone else, particularly when there are young people involved.”

Of the incidents reported in Cheshire the majority have not involved any weapons and there have been no reports of any violence.

Supt Bill Dutton urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity.

He said: “Intimidating behaviour is totally unacceptable and while we appreciate Halloween is just a short time away, scaring people – especially children and vulnerable people – in this way could constitute an offence.

“I urge anyone who sees suspicious activity, or has been intimidated or upset by this behaviour, should call Cheshire Police immediately on 101.”