Menacing clown sightings reported in Australia

Police claim menacing clowns like those causing concern across America are now popping up in suburban Australia.

US residents have been on alert after several sightings of creepy clowns in the past week, including one reported by Time magazine in which a clown with a knife chased a boy through a New York subway station.

Victoria Police said on Friday it was aware of apparent local copycats.

"Victoria Police are aware of people who are parading in the public wearing clown masks," they wrote on Facebook.

"The clown purge appears to be a copycat of incidents being seen in the USA recently."

"Any intimidating and threatening as well as anti-social behaviours will not be tolerated and will be investigated by Police."

If you have seen a menacing clown in Australia, please send your photographs or videos to aduggan@nine.com.au

Facebook groups have been springing up relating to Australian clown sightings.

'The clowns are coming' is one such page, with photographs of alleged clown sightings in south-western Sydney.

Brianna Phillips uploaded one such photograph of a clown sighting in Narellan, in which a clown is sitting on a roadside electrical box.

Four more images were uploaded of clown sightings in Campbelltown, including one of a clown having allegedly been knocked to the ground.

The Guardian have suggested the clowns are a publicity stunt for upcoming Rob Zombie directed Halloween film 31, in which several murderous clowns intend to torture and murder their victims.