Running Scared is a six-part British television children's drama series, transmitted between 15 January and 19 February 1986, that was based on the Bernard Ashley novel of the same name.The series, primarily set in Forest Gate, focuses on a teenage girl, Paula Prescott (Julia Millbank), whose life is put at risk when she uncovers evidence that could put a local criminal gang leader Charlie Elkin (Christopher Ellison) behind bars. The series was filmed in and around Green Lane in Dagenham; Queen's Market in Upton Park; First Avenue in Manor Park; and The Greyhound public house in Warley, Essex. The Woolwich Ferry also features in a key scene.

The series was notable for its use of the Kate Bush single Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) being used as the main title theme, and part of the original video being re-imagined for use within the programme's title sequence. Another notable track used for the series was "Chemistry" by Brian Eno and Jon Hassell from their 1980 collaboration Fourth World, Vol. 1: Possible Musics.Creator Ashley used the story to highlight the ever-growing Sikh community in London, which had been rarely touched upon in mainstream television up to this point. A TV-tie in version of the novel was issued a week prior to broadcast on 9 January 1986. A digitally remastered version of the series was released on DVD in Australia in 2014.