So-called ‘killer clowns’ have been spotted in Surrey.

Surrey Police’s superintendent today (Monday, October 10) warned people considering dressing up as clowns in public they could be arrested for a public order offence.

Superintendent Duncan Greenhalgh said several clown sightings had been reported to the force and their presence had ‘scared’ and ‘intimidated’ people.

He added: “We have received a number of reports of people being intimidated or frightened by others dressed as clowns. We have also received a number of calls in relation to reports on social media of clowns coming to Surrey.

“We know that people have concerns about the incidents and any behaviour that causes alarm and distress is not welcome in our local communities.

“While we do not want to stop people enjoying themselves, we would urge these people to think about the consequences of their actions.

“At the very least, their actions can cause fear and distress to other people. Their behaviour could also lead to them being arrested for a public order offence.

“On some occasions these sightings have generated multiple reports to our call takers, which could divert resources away from responding to other incidents.”

The ‘killer clown’ craze appears to have originated in the US and involves people dressing up as clowns to deliberately scare members of the public.

Clowns have been spotted in towns and cities across the UK in recent days, prompting police forces to issue similar warnings to the one made by Surrey Police today.

Superintendent Duncan Greenhalgh said: “Although these reports are not restricted to the Surrey area, we would urge people to refrain from such activity.”

Have you seen a 'killer clown' in Surrey? Get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk