Pupils being stalked by people in clown masks

Police in Kent have stepped up patrols around schools following reports pupils were being stalked by people wearing clown masks.

Officers are investigating a number of cases of people in scary costumes driving around in vans in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

It is reported that police officers have said some people have been wearing clown or Halloween masks in a bid to try to scare pupils walking to and from school.

Parents are being asked to be vigilant following the alleged 'suspicious incidents'.

Chief Inspector Dave Pate, of Kent Police, said: "We are still working to establish whether any offences have been committed.

"However, I want to assure parents that we take the safety of all children very seriously and have extra officers on patrol around schools."