POLICE are on alert after a sinister group of clowns threatened to 'strike' in Bolton and warned people to 'watch their backs'.

The chilling internet message came after scores of incidents across the town that left children terrified.

Councillors have joined police in urging people to think before they take part in the craze which has swept Britain after starting in America.

A series of unnerving sightings at the weekend was followed on Sunday night by the creation of an Instagram account called Bolton Killer Clowns. The account reads: "We are striking Little Lever on Wednesday. We will be everywhere. Watch your back — we are coming."

Some of the account's 212 followers then cheered on the group and encouraged them to visit Little Lever.

A similar account that threatened to cause trouble at five Bury high schools was shut down.

Police reassure pupils after clowns threaten to strike village

Sinister clowns spotted in Bolton as prank craze sweeps country

Little Lever representative, Cllr Paul Richardson, said: "It is giving children the wrong message about clowns and giving them nightmares.

"You have to question the mindset of people who would do this. It is not funny in the least."

He added: "I'm puzzled as to why Little Lever has been picked on. Any instance of people dressing as clowns in public for the wrong reasons, if possible, should result in a public order offence."

Since Friday, there have been alleged clown sightings reported in Breightmet, Farnworth, Harper Green, Astley Bridge, Harwood and Westhoughton.

Conner McNamara, aged 18, of Blenheim Road, Breightmet, said: "I was walking home at 9.45pm on Saturday night near Leverhulme Park and a clown wearing a black-and-white outfit with a mask with ink coming out at the sides chased me down the road, but I managed to get away."

Louise Ceesay, of Westhoughton, said: "My 13-year-old niece was near Hulton Lane Park on Friday night around 9pm when a clown appeared in the bushes. She and the three girls started screaming and ran to a mate's house."

Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "We are aware of this menacing craze, which originated in the USA, and will take action against those who are causing this fear.

"There has been a lot of speculation on social media and I’m urging people to refrain from fuelling this craze and creating more distress.

"The individuals who are getting involved in this may not realise just how frightening it is to be on the receiving end, especially for children.

"It’s important to stress that no-one has been physically harmed and I want to reassure people that we take reports of this nature extremely seriously.

"If you witness an incident, or want to make a report, please contact police as soon as possible on 101.”