Almost 60 clown-related incidents have been reported to Kent Police in just three days and one man has been arrested.

The alarming trend has prompted an appeal for the public to "act responsibly" following a number of reports around the county of people dressing up as clowns and intimidating others.

Between October 7 and 10, 59 incidents involving clowns in Kent have been reported and a 23-year-old man from Sittingbourne has been arrested for a public order offence.

Superintendent Simon Thompson of Kent Police said: "In the run up to Halloween we are seeing an increase in the number of incidents causing fear in public places.

"We want everyone to enjoy Halloween of course, but those who choose to dress up or wear masks in the lead up to the festivities should do so responsibly and be mindful about how their actions may be interpreted by others.

"There is an emerging trend, particularly on social media, of people dressing up as clowns and in some instances taking the opportunity to scare or intimidate other people.

"Kent is not the only county seeing this trend and while some might find it funny, the act of frightening or threatening others may be enough to warrant criminal offences under the Public Order Act."

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Some incidents include people jumping out in front of vehicles, staring at members of the public, or children chasing other children.

Supt Thompson added: "While there have been some instances where people in masks have intimidated others, we have also received calls to report clown sightings in general.

"We would ask those people looking to report clown incidents to us to consider whether an offence has taken place, such as causing distress or fear, as there will be a lot of people dressed up in the coming weeks as Halloween approaches.

"If someone is being intimidated, threatened or their safety is put in danger, call us."