Police are searching for a clown who chased two terrified teenagers.

The incident, which could mark the unwelcome return of the "killer clown" craze, happened in Gadby Road, Chalkwell, Sittingbourne last night.

A worried mum reported that her son and his friend had been chased from the Co-op by a man dressed as a clown.

The man was wearing a half-mask, red wig, clown top, black trousers and red trainers.

The mother, who did not want to be named, said: "As the boys reached an underpass the clown sat on the floor, laughing and banging his wooden bat.

"My son was really shook up and upset."

A police spokesman said: "We received a report that two teenage boys were approached by a person dressed as a clown in Gadby Road, Sittingbourne, between 8pm and 8.20pm last night.

"The boys had left the area but a search by officers didn't find a suspect matching the description.

"Inquiries to establish the circumstances around the incident remain ongoing."

Cllr James Hunt who represents The Meads on Swale council said: "This was happening last year coming up to Halloween as was something going around on YouTube. I hope it's not something starting again."

The bizarre craze involves dressing up in mask and costume then stalking the streets, often with a weapon, frightening residents.

It can be traced back to 2016 following the release of the film adaptation of Stephen King's 1986 horror novel It in 2015.

The story is about an ancient, shape-shifting evil which emerges from the sewers every 27 years disguised as a clown to prey on children.

Reports suggest the epidemic may be returning ahead of Halloween on October 31.

One of the first reports of the disturbing craze was in Leicestershire in 2016 where a pregnant woman was so badly scared she went into labour early.

In Dartford, a knifeman dressed as a clown shouted "run or die" at two boys.

Soon crooks were using clown costumes as a disguise to carry out crimes.