Shropshire horror clown craze is just no joke - watch the video to find out why

The man in question is Shropshire actor Kurt Durnell, who took part in a West Mercia Police stunt in Shrewsbury town centre.

He played Batman's nemesis The Joker, "arrested" and thrown behind bars for scaring people.

It comes after officers in the county have received several reports of clowns lurking on streets as part of a national craze.

Inspector Ed Hancox said: "Kurt has volunteered his time clowning. It is a bit of fun, but it is also a reassurance to the community that we will take action over clown sightings."

Police officers are visiting every youth club across Shrewsbury to reassure vulnerable youngsters they are taking the "killer clown" craze seriously.

Officers in the town have received reports of about five or six clowns being spotted in the Harlescott and Sundorne areas of the town.

To highlight the fact West Mercia Police are taking the issue seriously, Kurt played the part of The Joker at the town's police station and was "arrested" and thrown in the cells.

Inspector Ed Hancox said: "We have had five or six sighting of clowns but we have had no attacks reported on or by clowns.

"We are aware of concerns raised by youth groups that they are finding clowns intimidating and they are feeling vulnerable, especially in the Harlescott and Sundorne areas.

"Officers are visiting all the youth groups across Shrewsbury this week to give reassurance particularly about clowns but also to spread the message about Trick or Treat.

"In addition we have had a professional actor come to the police station. He plays the Joker and he has volunteered his time 'clowning'. It is a reassurance to the community that we will take action over clown sightings."

The force says it is keen to spread the message that they are taking all reports seriously by using social media. Inspector Hancox added: "We know most young people use social media so we want to use that forum to spread the message too.

"We ask people to behave responsibly and consider the impact their actions could have on vulnerable members of the community. While dressing up as a clown is not an offence, any attempts to deliberately harass, alarm or distress somebody is a public order offence that could result in arrest or a fixed penalty notice."

West Mercia Police have produced a "Halloween briefing sheet" as part of the project. As well as dealing with the issue of clowns, it also issues advice on behaviour during Halloween.

Officers warn people out tick or treating that there can be a fine line between taking part in a prank and committing a crime.

Inspector Hancox said: "Throwing eggs and flour is likely to be treated as a public order offence or assault.

"Local shopkeepers have been advised not to sell eggs or flour to young people.

"West Mercia Police will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour at any time of the year and those choosing to scare an individual, cause harassment, distress or alarm could result in an arrest or prosecution if a criminal offence is committed."

He advised anyone concerned ahead of Halloween to place a clear sign in their window making it clear they did not welcome callers. Police also say parents should accompany trick and treaters and that young people should never be allowed out on their own. Officers say it was the parents' responsibility to ensure that elderly and vulnerable people are not called on.