A SINISTER craze which sees pranksters dress up as evil-looking clowns to scare passers-by has reportedly hit Bolton. 

There have been unconfirmed sightings in Astley Bridge, Harwood and Westhoughton

The "clown craze", also known as "killer clown", appears to have been inspired by clown-related pranks in the US and has seen a string of copycat incidents across Greater Manchester. 

Police warning after spate of sinister 'clown sightings' across Bolton

In Bury, schools have been warned to expect a visit from a sinister group of clowns.

An Instagram page called Bury Clown Attack issued the warning to schools including Tottington, Woodhey, Phillips, Elton and St Monica's.

The message reads: “We’re coming….be there or die!”

Creepy clown sightings reported in Radcliffe

People on social media have also reported clown sightings in Manchester, Cheshire, North Wales, Dundee, Norwich, London, Newcastle and Sheffield.

While victims have mostly escaped unharmed from the "frightening" incidents, police are warning potential offenders they still may be committing a Public Order Offence.

Have you seen a "killer clown" in Bolton? E mail webdesk@nqnw.co.uk