KILLER CLOWN WATCH: Crazed knifeman threatens two teenage girls sparking major police hunt
TWO teenage girls have been left "very upset and shaken" after being threatened by a knifeman dressed as a clown.
The man (not pictured) was holding what was described as a machete
The incident took place on Durham Close, Bury St Edmunds, at around 6.25pm on Saturday, Suffolk Police said.
A spokesman for the force said: "Two teenage girls were approached by a man dressed as a clown who was holding was is described as a machete.
"The man ran towards the girls saying he was going to harm them. The girls then ran off in the direction of Severn Road."
Officers including firearm and dog units arrived on the scene within five minutes of the chilling report being made.
They scoured the streets, woodland and industrial estate for the offender, but nobody matching the description given was found, the force said.
A spokesman said: "Witnesses or anybody who has any information are asked to contact Suffolk Police on 101 quoting reference 61077/16.
It is the latest instance of the clown craze sweeping the country
"Anyone carrying out activities that may scare members of the public could be committing public order offences and may be subject to arrest.
It is the latest instance of the "killer clown" craze sweeping the UK.
The charity Childline has received a deluge of calls from youngsters left terrified by the sinister phenomenon, which began in the US.
Scores of terrified children have called Childline about the craze
Kent Police saw 59 clown-related incidents between October 7 and 10, while Thames Valley Police had 14 reports in 24 hours.
And on Wednesday South Yorkshire Police said it had received 61 reports since September 21, including two of clowns with knives.
Armed officers from Scotland Yard's aviation unit also arrested a suspect wearing a clown mask and carrying a fake gun five miles from Heathrow Airport on Tuesday.