A Salina Police spokesman has issued a statement in reference to recent “creepy clown” sightings within the city of Salina.

On Thursday, Captain Mike Sweeney issued the following statement:

“The Salina Police Department is aware of the recent events across the country involving citizen reports of so called “creepy clowns.” To date, there have been no known reports of serious injuries or deaths associated with these sightings. Unfortunately, people are using social media as an opportunity to involve themselves in mischief that may alarm others. In some instances people involved in these pranks have committed criminal acts and arrests have been made in other jurisdictions.

The Salina Police Department has received reports of “creepy clown” sightings, threats through the use of social media and vandalism. During one incident an individual, wearing a clown mask, ran onto a school track during a sporting event and then quickly ran off. This incident was recorded and later posted on social media. No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made in Salina.

Undoubtedly as Halloween approaches, we anticipate an uptick in clown sightings. The Salina Police Department discourages everyone from partaking in this type of activity, as it may cause unnecessary fear and a likelihood of serious injury.

As always if you witness something suspicious please call the Salina Police Department to report it. Do not attempt to take action on your own.”

Sweeney further said that officers have investigated numerous reports of clown sightings made by citizens between Tuesday night and early Thursday morning.

Police investigated a sighting on Antrim Street at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, a report of a suspicious person dressed as a clown in the 1300 block of Derby just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, a report of a fight involving clowns at Lakewood Park just after 10 p.m. Wednesday, and a report of a clown seen in the Fox Run neighborhood in south Salina just before 2:30 a.m Thursday. None of these sightings were confirmed by responding officers.

An officer on patrol in Oakdale Park just after midnight Wednesday discovered clown-related vandalism near Eric Stein Stage. Someone used a black marker to write “clowns were here 10-4-16” on a concrete pillar at the stage along with fake party blood poured near the pillar.

Sweeney said Salina Police have also investigated several social media threats made by individuals claiming to be clowns.

Salina has become the latest among numerous communities across the country that have been plagued with sightings and threats made by “creepy clowns”.