MORE than 100 terrified children have contacted ChildLine over the past week in the wake of the killer clown craze.

There has been a swell of youngsters, a quarter of whom are said to be of primary school age or younger, who have come forward seeking help or reassurane since the dreaded fad spread to the country.

Furthermore, the children's helpline has said it has conducted 22 counselling sessions with scared kids in the space of just one week.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), which runs ChildLine, said the youngsters are likely to have been faced with a clown or were having concerns or nightmares about their existence.

An NSPCC Scotland spokesman said: "People getting dressed up as 'creepy clowns' and frightening children should take a long hard look at themselves.

"Clowns are meant to make children laugh, but these people are abusing this idea and turning it into something twisted and warped.

"Increasing reports that these 'clowns' are not simply seeking to frighten children but using them to intimidate, commit crimes, abuse or bully are deeply worrying and this trend needs to be stamped out.

"Young people should stay well away from them. And if they do happen to see a 'creepyclown' out on the streets or lurking near their school, they should immediately tell their parents or the nearest responsible adult and report it to the police where necessary."

The craze popped up in Alloa at the weekend with three separate incidents in the town.

Police have warned that any threatening behaviour will be dealt with.