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If you thought the 'killer clown' craze sweeping Britain couldn't get more bizarre - think again.

Schoolchildren up and down the country have been left terrified by the prospect of sinister clowns popping up to scare the life out of them.

Teachers have been issuing warnings to kids, while police forces have said anyone may be committing a criminal offence.

But now Batman has got involved to protect his local schoolchildren.

(Image: BBC Cumbria/Facebook) (Image: BBC Cumbria/Facebook)

A photo has been shared on Facebook of the caped crusader apparently chasing off a 'killer clown' in Whitehaven, Cumbria.

It is understood 'Batman' was sent out by a local costume company Cumbria Superheroes.

The superhero is not a vigilante but is hoping to reassure children.

But one young pupil wrote a message thanking him for his intervention nonetheless.

The letter, shared on Facebook by a mother, read: "Hi Batman my name is xxx.

"I have been scared of this clown situation (school told us about it yesterday).. I seen on my mammy fb that u caught the clown this means I can go to school and not be scared thank you for your efforts… my mam says you might be at whitehaven xmas light switch on… do u have a bat mobile… I hope your their so I can see you and your mobile. Love xxx"