Police are investigating an allegation of affray after a horrified Hither Green mum said her daughter came home terrified after a knife-wielding clown chased her to school.

This is just one report in a strange craze that involves people dressing up as gruesome creepy clowns and terrifying passers-by that has spread to the UK from America.

Mum-of-five Lucy Cheree Fraser said that her daughter was walking through Manor House Gardens in Hither Green on the way to school around 8.10am on Monday (October 10).

She posted on Facebook: "My daughter was walking through there this morning on way to school, and there was a guy in a clown mask with a knife waving it around by the dog park.

"He then chased her and her friend to her school.

"My daughter is now frightened to go to school.

"Please keep your eyes peeled for these clowns and if you see anything then call the police."

The "killer clown" craze has continued to spread across the UK, with one police force dealing with 14 reports in 24 hours.

Officers have been called to a string of incidents in which pranksters or criminals dressed as clowns try to scare innocent bystanders.

In one of the latest incidents, officers from Scotland Yard's aviation unit held a suspect in Hillingdon, west London, on Tuesday (October 11) about five miles from Heathrow Airport, after he was spotted wearing a clown mask and carrying a fake firearm.

The Hillingdon arrest took place just over a mile from Brunel University, where sightings of a clown clutching a chainsaw on Saturday were reported to police.

A 19-year-old man was arrested and released on bail until later this month.

Met Police Commander Julian Bennett issued a statement on 'killer clown' incidents in London, three of which meet the threshold of a criminal offence.

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He said: "Our primary responsibility is identifying and investigating those incidents where a criminal offence occurred.

"However, antisocial behaviour can leave people feeling scared, anxious and intimidated and I would urge those who are causing fear and alarm to carefully consider the impact their actions have on others."

MORE: WATCH - Man 'runs for his life' from 'killer clown' in Belvedere

Police expect the number of 'killer clown' incidents to increase in the run-up to Halloween. 

Safer Neighbourhood Officers will be carrying out patrols as part of the Autumn Nights campaign to reassure the public and will be on hand for those who are especially vulnerable during this period. 

Mr Bennett said: "Whilst we do not want to stop people from enjoying themselves, it is important that while having fun they remember to act in a responsible manner and understand that they could be prosecuted if a criminal offence is committed."

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that an allegation of affray was made to Lewisham police on October 11.

He said: "The incident happened on October 10 between 8am and 9am at Manor House Gardens, Hither Green."

"The victim, a 13-year-old girl, alleges she was chased by a individual wearing a clown mask and wig.

"The suspect was possibly carrying a small penknife."

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Anyone with anyone with any information is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101.

Have you seen clowns around south-east London or north Kent? Contact helen.corbett@london.newsquest.co.uk