SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities and school officials in Sedgwick County are investigating after USD 259 reported they observed and received reports of several “creepy clown” messages on social media.

Several have gone so far as to reference specific schools in Wichita.

The school district has shared all messages with local law enforcement.

School officials believe the messages to be a hoax but they will be extra-vigilant on Monday as students and staff return to school.

We have received reports of several “creepy clown” messages on social media. Law enforcement is investigating.https://t.co/FDArw0EWSq

— WichitaPublicSchools (@WichitaUSD259) October 3, 2016

The district encouraged students and parents to send any posts of concern to the Wichita Public Schools (@wichitausd259), and those will be shared with law enforcement as well.

There have been similar clown reports to school districts across the country.

Last month, a suburban Cincinnati school district closed schools after a woman reported being grabbed around the neck by a male dressed as a clown who she said made a threat against students.

In Colorado, an 11-year-old boy brought a BB gun to Franklin Middle School in a backpack with an image of a clown on it. Police say the boy planned to wear clown gloves while using the weapon.

The Pennsylvania State Police and others are encouraging caution amid a rash of public complaints and social media reports in a number of states of people dressed like clowns acting suspiciously, even if they think many are knucklehead pranksters or downright bogus.