Hallowe'en ghouls in masks and costumes can seriously frighten the elderly and vulnerable, warns East Kent Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Terry McCormick.

He said: “Far from it being fun, older people can find the whole trick or treating experience frightening.” He urges revellers to respect the Kent Police signs in windows which state the homeowner will not open the door to trick or treaters. And if they do not get a reply, do not persist as it may be because the person inside is scared.

He added: “Unknown or unexpected callers can cause anxiety for older people, particularly those who live alone.

“When those callers present themselves in the dark, often wearing scary face masks, it can be a traumatic experience, and it is clearly unacceptable to inflict such distress on older people.

“Without wishing to impinge on the traditions of Hallowe’en, we would ask trick or treaters not to call on older people and to please keep their activities lawful.

"The recent creation of our Senior Watch scheme has allowed us to contact many hundreds of pensioners in East Kent with information and police will be taking action if Hallowe’en activities result in criminal offences.”