There are fears the release of the new Stephen King film It has sparked the return of the clown craze.

Last year, there were a number of sighting in Essex and further afield of people dressing as clowns.

Incidents were reported in Chelmsford and Basildon, including one person being chased by a clown armed with a basesball bat.

This year, one sighting has already taken place in Chelmsford and there are fears more could be on the way, as people are inspired by the release of Stephen King's horror film, It.

Essex Police are encouraging people to report any sightings.

In the film, evil clown Pennywise is responsible for a number of children disappearing, until a group band together to fight back.

The film is released at 12.01am on Friday.