POLICE are on alert after a sinister group of clowns threatened to ‘attack’ five Bury schools.

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

Instagram has banned the group and police have urged those behind it to think before they take part in a craze which has swept Britain after starting in America.

As part of the trend, people are dressing as clowns, lurking on streets — often at night — and harassing innocent bystanders, including children.

Sightings elsewhere in the country began coming in early last week and there were some in Bury last weekend.

The Instagram account, called Bury Clown Attack, appeared on Saturday and made reference to Tottington, Woodhey, Philips, Elton and St Monica’s high schools.

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

Another Instagram account, called clownsofbury, posted pictures of clowns with the caption: “Free gifts for Castlebrook (High School) on Monday” and “Free hugs at Radcliffe Bus Station.”

Sources at the schools said there have been no such incidents and Bury Local Education Authority said it has not provided schools or parents with advice.

However, last Friday, parents told police they spotted a man dressed as a clown hanging around outside St Gabriel’s High School in Bridge Road, Bury.

On Saturday, Whitefield Police said there had been reports of a man dressed as a clown behind the wheel of a van trying to scare people, including youngsters.

They tweeted: “Idiot in clown mask this morning leaning out of white van shouting at passersby Higher Lane Whitefield. Van had gold mudguards.”

Some social media users were not impressed with the antics, Jorja Chapps responded: “Well done, leaving young children scared to go outside. Just stop, its all rubbish rumours, its pathetic — get a life.”

Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “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.”