A CRAZE for creepy clown sightings has spread across America - and now it's come to Hampshire.

Police were called after a number of clown sightings and have moved to reassure residents that the matter is not being taken lightly.

Officers across the UK have been called to dozens of incidents and a 30-year-old man was arrested in Norwich after a person in a clown costume jumped out from behind a tree and "terrified" a woman in a public park.

The Chronicle has seen a blurry picture of what appears to be a clown at Micheldever Station, and there have also been Facebook posts about people dressing up as clowns in Weeke. 

A number of alarmed calls were made after a clown was seen in Baughurst on Friday night, but no-one could be found.

PCSO Aimee Scott-Molloy said: "You may be aware of videos of clowns from America appearing on social media.

"Unfortunately, this craze has now made it into some parts of the UK.

"This incident is the first of its type to happen in the area of rural Basingstoke, however your local police want to reassure the public that we are taking incidents like this seriously."

Police across England have been called to dozens of incidents in which pranksters dress as "creepy clowns" to deliberately scare people.

The culprits are said to be following a trend that started in the US.

In County Durham on Friday, four children were followed to school by a man in a clown outfit who was armed with what looked like a machete.

On Sunday Thames Valley Police said it had been called to 14 incidents in 24 hours.

If anyone has seen the clown or is worried for their safety they should call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting 44160379643.