ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

Scotland Yard today warned people dressing as “killer clowns” that they face possible prosecution after a student brandishing a chainsaw caused panic on a university campus.

The Met said it was investigating a series of incidents where people dressed as clowns are suspected to have committed criminal offences.

Police are probing how a student dressed in a clown suit and wielding a chainsaw sparked chaos after running through the grounds of Brunel University.

The 19-year-old student involved apologised in an interview with the Standard today saying he bought the chainsaw from B&Q to record footage on his personal YouTube channel.

Other incidents include one on Sunday in Archway when a man dressed as a clown and armed with a knife chased a woman down the street in the early hours.

On Thursday last week a man in a clown’s outfit and wielding a hockey stick was reported following a passer-by near Latimer Road underground station.

Then early today, two children walking to school were left terrified after being confronted by a man dressed as a clown in Bonham Road, Dagenham.

Two other reports are also being examined as possble criminal offences, though the details are not known.

The incidents come as police forces across Britain have reported dozens of incidents involving the “killer clown” craze.

Thames Valley Police has reported dealing with 14 reports in 24 hours of where pranksters or criminals dressed as clowns try to scare innocent bystanders.

Police in London say they are investigating possible offences under the Public Order Act or the more serious possession of an offensive weapon.

Commander Julian Bennett, the head of crime prevention in the Met, said: “We are currently accessing a small number of reported ‘Killer Clown’ incidents in London, three of which meet the threshold of a criminal offence.

“Our primary responsibility is identifying and investigating those incidents where a criminal offence has occurred.

“However, anti-social behaviour can leave people feeling scared, anxious and intimidated and I would urge those who are causing fear and alarm to carefully consider the impact their actions have on others.”

He said police expected the number of ‘killer clown’ reports would increase in the run-up to Halloween when the Met launched its own Autumn Nights operation to tackle anti-social behaviour.

He added: “Whilst we do not want to stop people from enjoying themselves it is important that while having fun they remember to act in a responsible manor and understand that they could be prosecuted if a criminal offence is committed.”

Officials at Brunel University have launched an investigation into the reports of a clown dressed in a gold catsuit and curly red wig and armed with a chainsaw.

The student involved - a 19-year-old media studies student who gave his name only as Kenny - was traced by the Standard and today apologised for the fear sparked by his “prank video”.

He admitted purchasing the chainsaw from B&Q to record footage for his personal YouTube channel, where it has been viewed more than 1,500 times.

He said: “I’m very sorry for what happened. I’ve had people calling me a terrorist and that feels horrible.

“I’ve had angry parents terrified for their kids coming into campus. All your kids are safe. I didn’t chase any strangers but people have obviously seen me from the window and it’s all blown up.

“As a YouTuber you have to follow the trends to keep your channel going. I’ve done it before but never on a campus when there’s hundreds of people watching, and I won’t be doing it there again.”

A 22-year-old economics student who filmed the chase from his bedroom window at 9pm on Saturday said: “I was in my room and heard the noise of a chainsaw outside.

He said: “I think it’s dangerous. You never know who is joking and who is seriously wanting to hurt someone, especially if they are carrying real weapons. But I do know I don’t want people with chainsaws around my campus.”

The craze swept into the UK from north America, where it has been linked to a big-screen remake of Stephen King’s book IT.

Film-makers New Line Cinema have denied any involvement in the sightings.

In a statement, Brunel’s security operations manager Terry Vass said: “Someone dressed as a clown and carrying what appeared to be a chainsaw was seen on the campus on Saturday night. We will continue to work with police to identify the individual responsible.”

Have you seen any 'killer clowns' in London? Contact our news desk on 0203 615 2500 or news@standard.co.uk