Cumbria's “creepy clown” pranksters are still plaguing communities, with about 80 incidents reported in the last five days.

But police say that the number of incidents has slowed over the past 24 hours, with just 16 incidents reported to the force in that period.

None of the incidents have led to arrests or anybody being charged with an offence.

Despite this, some of the latest clown reports are chilling.

Chief Inspector Matthew Kennerley said: “Police have received a reduced number of reported ‘clown craze’ incidents in the last 24 hour period. However no offences were established and no arrests made.

“Sixteen incidents were reported in total across the county, which is a reduction compared to earlier this week, and we are hoping that this craze will pass in the next couple of days.

“I urge the small minority of people still taking part to stop.

“Dressing up as a clown and deliberately trying to scare and intimidate others is causing a lot of distress to people and we will not tolerate it.

"This 'prank' could lead to you being arrested for a public order offence, possession of an offensive weapon, or even an assault.”


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Horror novel author Stephen King – creator of the famously malevolent clown Pennywise in his novel It – has spoken out about the hysteria surrounding the so-called craze, calling for people to calm down.

Incidents reported between 7am on Wednesday and 7am today include:

  • 1.28pm, Lund Crescent, Currock, Carlisle : a clown has jumped out at a person by New Bridge Crossing;
  • 3.13pm, Carlisle : teenagers in clown masks spotted near the gazebo at Hammonds Pond on Blackwell Road;
  • 6.03pm , Carlisle : A 15-year-old boy found at the side of the road on the Thursby A596 roundabout with a sharp item in his bag to ‘protect himself’ from clowns;
  • 7.33pm, Newtown Close, Carlisle : care-worker ambushed by a clown who jumped out at her as she went to see client;
  • 7.54pm, Fusehill Street, Carlisle : large group of clowns seen shouting at passing motorists;
  • 8.37pm, Beaumont Road, Currock, Carlisle : teenagers in clown masks seen throwing stones and apples at the caller's property.
  • 9.14pm, Berkeley Grange, off Newtown Road, Carlisle : Up to four people wearing clown masks egged caller's property.