Police are hunting for a person wearing a black plague doctor costume causing concern to people in Dumfries this week.
There have been three separate sightings in the town of someone wearing a crow mask and black coat.
On one occasion the disguised person reportedly frightened two children with their behaviour.
And they have been seen near a school which concerned parents and teachers.
The trend started in Falkirk last week with rumours of someone dressed in the outfit attacking people. However, there have been no such crimes reported.
A police spokesperson said: “It would appear this is the latest craze circulating through social media platforms and across many areas of the country.
“Whilst some may see this as harmless, these costumes and this type of behaviour combined can be very upsetting and cause young people and others in the community to be frightened and anxious.
“That is unacceptable and a person whose behaviour places another in a state of fear or alarm can be charged with a criminal offence.
“We are also aware that there have been rumours circulating on social media that people dressed in these costumes have been physically attacking people. We would like to reassure our community that no crimes of this nature have been reported to the police.”
The person has been seen in the area of the Whitesands and Sandside on March 20, Lochside on March 21 and finally in Heathhall and Locharbriggs on March 22.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them.
“If you have any information please contact us on 101.”
