Reports of so-called "killer clowns' are causing panic, with pranksters scaring people up and down the country.

This week alone, there have been reports of incidents in Maidstone, Paddock Wood, Chatham, Ashford and Canterbury.

But what effect is the craze having on people working as clowns in the Kent area?

Naima Geraci, who works as Bronco the Clown and performs at children's parties in Kent and London, admitted to having decided to "look less like a clown" because they scare people so much.

Geraci, who works from home in Dover but travels around Kent to jobs, called the clown craze "stupid" and said that it would affect others in her trade.

She explained: "I made the decision in 2006 to downscale the make-up because I had so many people saying it scared them.

"Now I have ponytails and a red nose and cheeks, but I don't do the whole white face-paint thing."

She added: "I was going into nurseries and people were saying the children would be scared, so I had to think about my business, and that's why I veered away from the more daunting look."

She also expressed regret that it had got to this stage, but maintained that police should take these incidents seriously.

"It's a copycat craze from America, and I think it's getting to the point where it seems like a waste of police time, but our police forces should take this seriously.

"It is serious, and someone could get badly hurt," she said.

Asked if the craze had affected her business, she expressed concern that people might think she wasn't a legitimate entertainer.

"If I go and give out my cards in local parks dressed up as Bronco I am usually swamped by children wanting to meet me.

"But now I feel like if I go out people will think I'm one of the pranksters."

She added: "There are clowns out there who want children to have fun and to make children happy.

"This started off as a prank but the joke has gone too far.

"I think it will affect people's businesses."