Staff at schools in Oxford have been advising and reassuring pupils over social media reports of a possible clown 'attack' today.

A report on Facebook has suggested that there could be attacks in schools in littlemore, Cowley and Blackbird Leys.

Thames Valley Police is considering running extra patrols around schools in the area to help reassure pupils.

Students have been spoken to at schools after Thames Valley Police officers were called to 14 clown-related incidents at the weekend, and there have been a number of arrests for public order offences.

Sue Croft, headteacher of Oxford Spires Academy in Glanville Road, East Oxford, said: "There have been no sightings but we have been reassuring our pupils.

"We have asked pupils to alert us if they see anything but no-one has seen anything so far - we would urge students not to be too alarmed and to report anything they do see.

"There is no actual evidence that schools are being targeted - it's just one posting on Facebook that has suggested that is the case."

Mrs Croft said pupils had already been given 'stranger danger' talks following the abduction and rape of a 14-year-old girl near the junction of Banbury Road and Marston Ferry Road on September 28.

PC Kim Dugmore, schools and youth engagement officer based at St Aldate's police station, has sent an email about the possible threat to headteachers at Oxford Spires Academy, The Oxford Academy, The Cherwell School, and Cheney School.

It said: "I am sure you have been made aware of the reports on social media that clowns may turn up at an Oxford school. I am looking into this post currently.

"I would like to reassure you that as far as we are aware not a single report has been made throughout the country of clowns attending schools or trying to get into schools.

"There have been NO reports in Oxford that clowns have been seen in or near to any of the schools.

"However, if there are any sightings of clowns then please do not hesitate to call 999 or 101 depending on the circumstances.

"I am trying to arrange for the Neighbourhood Teams to cover the schools at the end of the day but it will unfortunately depend on other operational demands throughout Oxford too.

"I know you are likely to have staff outside the schools at closing so again, if they witness any clowns please can they call 999. "

Thames Valley Police said it would not be providing any further updates today.

The force's media manager Michelle Campbell said the clown incidents were a 'national issue.'

The National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Crime Operations Chief Constable Mike Barton has released the following statement: "Police forces have been dealing with some instances of people who are dressing up as clowns in order to frighten others.

"Anyone with concerns should report to police on 101 so that we can investigate.  

"While some might view this as funny, the act of frightening or threatening others may be enough to warrant public order criminal offences."