Clowns have been spotted all across Great Yarmouth and the surrounding area.

A Facebook page has been set up which records the sightings including on the seafront in Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Belton.

People dressed as clowns have been involved in a spate of incidents across the UK prompting police forces to issue warnings about the so-called ‘clown craze’ trend.

School children are being targeted on their way to school as part of the “clown craze”, also known as “Killer Clown” - a trend that seems to have been inspired by clown-related pranks in the US, police said.

What’s the big deal?

Deliberately scaring people in a public place is a public order offence.

In Norwich a 30-year-old man has been arrested after he dressed up as a clown and chased a woman through a park.

The victim was alone and making her way through Eaton Park yesterday at approximately 8.24pm when a person dressed as a clown jumped out from behind a tree. They then screamed at the victim and ran after her before she escaped.

Superintendent Lynne Cross said: “Whilst this craze may seem harmless, it is actually quite frightening to those who experience it. It will not be tolerated and anyone caught with the intention of causing alarm, harassment or distress will be dealt with robustly.

“I would like to reassure members of the public that we are increasing patrols in the area and that my teams have been briefed about this subject. If people witness anything which causes them concern they can contact the police on 101.”