A PERSON dressed as a clown was seen by the Dudbridge roundabout in Stroud last night, as police warn of 'killer clowns' in the county.

Eyewitnesses saw the clown holding balloons and chasing motorists near the Sainsbury's roundabout and suspect the incident is linked to the 'killer clown' craze hitting the county.

Police are urging people to be vigilant after receiving six reports of people dressed as clowns acting suspiciously, following people or wielding knives since yesterday evening.

It's believed the reports are likely to be the result of the ongoing "killer clown" craze that has seen reports in other parts of the country.

Officers say the incidents are not just causing real alarm in the community but tying up police resources.

A police spokesman said: "The reports have been made in the Gloucester area and have mostly involved clowns carrying knives.

"In one case a child was followed.

"Clearly this has scared people and caused real distress.

"We have attended these incidents as grade 1 emergencies and that limits our ability to attend to other incidents.

"We haven't traced anyone involved as yet as they have disappeared by the time we arrive but anyone we do find will be dealt with appropriately.

"Whether those involved are doing it for a joke or not this is no laughing matter.

"These are stupid acts that are really frightening people and wasting our time. Please don't be tempted to do it. Think of the consequences."

The 'Killer clown' craze started in the US, but in the last few weeks there have been a spate of similar incidents across the UK, leading to numerous police warnings.