WATCH: PSNI issue 'killer clown' warning

Police have warned pranksters who are posing as '˜killer clowns' to terrify children that they could face arrest.
A so-called 'killer clown'A so-called 'killer clown'
A so-called 'killer clown'

The craze for dressing in horrifying clown costumes to jump out on unsuspecting passers-by has swept through Northern Ireland in recent weeks but the PSNI is warning those thinking of staging a 'prank' to think again.

In a video posted to YouTube police emphasise that putting someone in fear amounts to common assault and that wandering around with a knife leaves you liable to be arrested for possession of an offensive weapon. If you're found to be shouting or causing a disturbance it could be viewed as disorderly behaviour in a public place.

RELATED: School locks gates after reports a ‘killer clown’ was on the wayAnd in a final warning, police say: "If someone dies because of your actions, you could face manslaughter charges and life in prison."