Children have been left terrified by a 'plague doctor' roaming the streets in Dumfries after the person behind the mask was spotted near a school and purposely frightened two children.
Officers are appealing for information to help identify a person or people wearing a crow mask and a black coat in recent days.
Local police have received three separate reports of the 'plague doctor' in Dumfries which has caused widespread concern.
One incident saw an individual roam near a school as teachers are parents were "understandably" worried about their presence and intentions.
Officers believe the incidents are related to a "craze circulating through social media platforms" and across many areas of the country.
The behaviour has been deemed as unacceptable by cops with many feeling frightened and anxious by the behaviour.
Police reminded that a person whose behaviour places another in a state of fear or alarm can be charged with a criminal offence.
Rumours circulating on social media claimed people dressed in the costumes were physically attacking people but officers have not received any reports of this nature.
The 'plague doctor' was spotted around Whitesands and Sandsids on March 20 then in Lochside the next day.
Then on the following day, March 22, a sighting in the Heathhall and Locharbriggs area was reported.
We reported last week a 'plague doctor' was spotted in Bo'ness with local residents reporting incidents near a play park in the area.
Police are treating the matter seriously and are urging anyone with information to get in touch by contacting 101 and quoting incident number 1560 of 22/03/21.
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