Response to query about incidents involving 'Clowns'

Chief Superintendent Peter Costello said: “We are aware of incidents in the United States involving people dressing up as clowns and approaching or chasing other members of the public.

“It appears that social media is being used to circulate stories about similar incidents taking place in some areas of the UK.

“Whilst we have no confirmed incidents reported to us we are aware that social media is being used to circulate allegations that incidents will take place at establishments on Merseyside.

“Merseyside Police wants to make it perfectly clear that behaviour of this type will not be treated as a joke or prank, doing this to a stranger may cause alarm or distress and could constitute a criminal offence such as harassment.

“We will not tolerate any kind of anti-social or criminal behaviour directed at any members of our communities.

We would urge people to seriously consider what impact this kind of behaviour might have as well as whether their behaviour could constitute a crime and could lead to their arrest and a potential criminal record.”