A US craze of evil-looking clowns terrorising children appears to have arrived in Clacton.

The sinister craze has seen people dressing as clowns in America to scare others.

Now clowns have been spotted in Clacton amid fears of an inappropriate approach to youngsters.

The incident happened outside Clacton County High School yesterday.

Two children were asked if they wanted to attend a birthday party by two people dressed as clowns.

No attempts were made to grab or harm the girls and after they rejected the offer, the clowns left the area in a black van.

Essex Police has now launched an investigation into the incident which happened at 9.20am yesterday.

Social media was full of further claims with one person suggesting one of the clowns had a knife.

There were also other unconfirmed reports of clowns in Clacton town centre.

Concerned parents said clowns had been seen hanging around Clacton County High School including near the school field.

Clacton County High School sent a message to parents telling them of a “serious issue” involving its pupils and members of the public early yesterday morning.

It said police were investigating and as a precaution, children would not be allowed off-site at lunchtime.

A school staff member, who declined to be identified, told the Gazette that a black van pulled up by one of the students and “told them to get in.”

The potential victim had been a girl.

He confirmed that Year 10 and 11 students, who are normally allowed out of school premises at lunchtime, had to stay in yesterday lunchtime as a precaution.

“Like all these things, hysteria kicks in. We don’t want to stir it up any more,” he added.

A spokesman said: “Police are aware of additional reports and rumours circulating on social media.

“Officers are considering whether the incidents could be inspired by a current trend of prank in America.  Police are investigating and ask anyone with information to get in touch by calling 101.”

  • SCARY clown hysteria has spread across the United States and hundreds of people have posted their sightings online.

    The @SpookyClowns Twitter account, which has 162,000 followers, has been sharing some of the creepiest videos and pictures from across America.

Clown Casually Walking Down The Street pic.twitter.com/RxNWlD0vPv

This 'sighting' was shared from Kennebunk in Maine: 

A 'security camera' recorded this creepy clip shared on October 3: 

And this dramatic clip was shot in St Louis, Missouri:

Closer to home, Northumbria Police have received six separate reports of clown-related incidents since Friday.

No one had been attacked in the incidents, which targeted schoolchildren.