Police across the UK are tackling a new craze, involving people dressing up as clowns and trying to scare bystanders.
And, as the phenomenon escalates, officers have warned there is nothing funny about acts of intimidation.
The trend originally started in the United States, but it has spread to Britain and Thames Valley police were called to 14 incidents in the space of just 24 hours.
Closer to home, the former X Factor contestant, Joey Devries, claimed he was a victim of the trend in Aberdeen at the weekend.
He said on social media at 4pm on Saturday: “A clown attacked us as we were leaving the venue in Aberdeen – a little shaken up.”
Mr Devries, who appeared on the talent show in 2011 with the group Operation Generation, had been performing at the Tunnels.
He stated later: “It was scary. I had seen videos of clowns doing the rounds and I thought it was just exaggeration.
“I’d done a show and we came out and were packing up the car.
“I just saw this clown standing there. I thought I was seeing things.
“He started running at us with a baseball bat.
“We were shocked – I didn’t know if he was messing around but he was running at the car.”
In Inverness, police were called to incidents in Culduthel, Inshes and Milton of Leys, but none of the culprits was believed to be carrying a weapon.
Officers went to a school in the city on Friday in an attempt to put an end to the craze.
Superintendent David Duncan, of Police Scotland, warned that officers would take action against anyone intentionally causing distress.
He said: “We have had a few sporadic reports of individuals dressed as clowns in some areas in Scotland.
“It is assessed that there is a current trend of similar incidents on social media, many of which have been confirmed as hoaxes and emanate from overseas.
“The reports which have been made to local police officers are being investigated and do not specifically involve threats or violence.
“However, any person seeking to cause distress and potential harm to anyone should be aware police will take action.
“If anyone has any concerns they should report the matter to us.”
