A PACK of youngsters wearing clown masks were seen harassing residents in Alloa last weekend, as the dreaded American craze arrives in the Wee County.

An investigation has been launched after a handful of incidents were reported to police on Sunday night.

Around 20 youths were said to be causing disturbances on three separate occasions on Church Street, Coningsby Place and Maple Court between 9-10pm.

It is believed that at least some of those involved were dressed as clowns – taking inspiration from the chilling killer clown fad which has been popping up all over North America, Australia and other parts of the UK.

Similar incidents, some of which are much more serious, have been reported across the central belt, with Police Scotland issuing a warning earlier this week.

Though some claims were found to be hoaxes, police in Alloa say they are investigating three incidents which took place on Sunday evening.

A spokesperson from Police Scotland said: “On Sunday night, between around 9-10pm, and at various locations, a series of disturbances were reported in Alloa involving a group of around 20 youths.

“The suspects are thought to be aged around 12-15 years old and some were said to be dressed like clowns or wearing clown masks.

“Police are currently investigating and anyone with any information is asked to get in touch with officers by calling 101.”

In the first case, two women were sitting in a car on Church Street and were approached and harassed by members of the group wearing clown masks.

A short time later, after 9pm, it was reported that a group, some of whom were dressed as clowns, had been verbally abusing residents on Coningsby Place and throwing stones at a property.

The police are now looking into a “very minor” assault allegation.

The group were then seen to be causing a disturbance near Ladbrokes on Maple Court at around 10pm.

The incidents echo the similar events reported in East Lothian, Dundee and Ayrshire which led senior investigators to issue a warning to anyone thinking of following suit.

In a statement, Superintendent David Duncan of Police Scotland, 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 that police will take action.

“If anyone has any concerns they should report the matter to police.”

The disturbing trend is thought to have started on college campuses in America, with students dressing up and scaring passers-by for kicks.

However, there have been more sinister sightings, with police in Musselburgh receiving two separate reports of children being chased by a clown near the racecourse.

A further appeal was issued in County Durham after a clown carrying a knife frightened children on their way to school.

Other instances have appeared across various social media, though it is unclear whether those chilling episodes have been staged or not.

Police in Forth Valley said they had been aware of a number of social media postings to do with the “so-called clown craze”.

A statement on their own Facebook page read: “Please consider your actions, as threatening and abusive behaviour is an offence.

“Participants are reminded that police are monitoring the situation and ask people to behave responsibly.”