POLICE have issued a warning to people dressing up as clowns and behaving in an anti-social and threatening way.

The Avon and Somerset force has received a "small number" of complaints as the 'clown craze' sweeping America arrives in Britain.

The pranksters, also known as 'killer clowns', are targetting members of the community, including children on their way to school and police have intervened in an attempt to stop it getting out of hand.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "We’d just like to remind people of the consequences of dressing up in costumes with the intention of frightening others.

"There have been several reports nationally of people dressed as clowns behaving in an anti-social and threatening manner.

"We’ve received a small number of similar reports locally and would like to remind people that this behaviour can cause concern and worry, particularly to young children and the elderly, and they may end up committing an offence."

While there are no reports of anyone in the area being hurt in clown craze incidents, police are warning potential offenders they still may be committing a Public Order Offence.

Have you seen any 'clowns in Somerset? Let us know.