West Mercia Police are urging anyone who is considering dressing as a clown, intending to scare members of the public, to consider the distress this could cause to the more vulnerable members of the local community.

There have been two reported indents in Herefordshire, where people have dressed as clowns, spooking passers-by. These reports were received between Wednesday, October 5th and today, Monday, October 10th.

A spokesperson from West Mercia Police told the Ross Gazette: "Since last week, we have received reports from scared and worried members of the public who have seen or been approached by people dressed up as clowns. We believe this is linked to a wider trend across the country and in the USA.

"Whilst we understand that such incidents could be considered pranks by some, we are appealing to those carrying out the behaviour, or thinking of taking part, to really consider the distress and fear they could cause people, particularly the more vulnerable members of our community, such as children and the elderly.

"I would also warn them that there are further consequences to their behaviour. Not only could they be committing a public order offence, which will see police action, their actions could cause delays for other emergencies requiring police attendance."

[UPDATE]Over the County border in Gloucestershire, Police received six reports of people dressed as clowns acting suspiciously, following people or wielding knives, overnight between Friday, October 7th and Saturday, October 8th. Officers say the incidents are not just causing real alarm in the community but tying up police resources.A police spokesman said: "The reports have been made in the Gloucester area and have mostly involved clowns carrying knives."In one case a child was followed."Clearly this has scared people and caused real distress."We have attended these incidents as grade 1 emergencies and that limits our ability to attend to other incidents."We haven't traced anyone involved as yet as they have disappeared by the time we arrive but anyone we do find will be dealt with appropriately."Whether those involved are doing it for a joke or not this is no laughing matter."These are stupid acts that are really frightening people and wasting our time. Please don't be tempted to do it. Think of the consequences."