AN ERSKINE performer has branded the “killer-clown” craze as damaging to his profession, following recent sightings in the area.

Cheeko the Clown, also known as Tommy Templeton, believes that the fad has “gotten out of hand” and is harmful to his act.

This comes following reports of clown sightings in the Erskine area which have left residents “terrified” this week.

One youngster was left “hysterical” after spotting a youth in a costume near Park Glade.

Another man claims that he drove past a group of four clowns who were seen chasing cars near St Anne’s Primary School.

Cheeko said: “As a professional clown I totally agree this is out of hand. This is my living.

“I work for Variety, the biggest children’s charity in the world.

“I entertain thousands of kids for free, only this week I was working at the RAI Paisley for POD another children’s charity nobody mentions this.

“Nobody mentions the good we do, the smiles we put on the faces of adults and kids.

“This has been happening for years but because of a few idiots on social media it’s blown out of proportion without any thought of the harm they are doing to people that make their living by bringing happiness to others.”

Renfrewshire Police have warned that action may be taken against people who carry out acts as part of the so-called “killer clown” craze.

Members of the Erskine, Inchinnan and Bishopton Community Facebook page have since posted about their sightings in the area. 

Laura Aitken from the group claims to have seen a youth dressed up as a clown at the bus stop near Park Glade, which terrified her young daughter on October 10.

She said: “Thanks to the little sh*t dressed as a clown joining the latest ridiculous craze and standing at the bus stop at the top of park glade, I now have an absolutely hysterical nine-year-old who I know is going to have nightmares for weeks thanks to you.”

The craze is thought to have been inspired by a number of clown-related pranks in America and has seen incidents reported across the UK recently.

Last week a hoaxer admitted a “sighting” in Glasgow was faked.

A Facebook page called “Killer Clowns in and around Glasgow” said a clown had been spotted underneath a bridge.

Insp Cassie Glass said: “We will take action against people dressed as clowns if they are causing fear and alarm. If anyone has any concerns they should report the matter to police.”