A 30-year-old man from south Norfolk has been given a caution by police after he dressed up as a clown and chased a woman through a Norwich 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.'

The man has been given a caution by police after committing public order offences.

On Saturday night police appealed for the public's help after a 15-year-old girl was chased by someone wearing a clown mask in King's Lynn.

People dressed as clowns have been involved in a spate of incidents across the UK prompting police forces to issue warnings about the 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.

• Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area between the times stated or anyone with information about this incident should contact PC Lloyd Keddo at Wymondham Police Investigation Centre on 101.