Clown hysteria is gripping Kent - amid claims of several sightings of masked people terrorising neighbourhoods.

An Ashford pensioner claims he was chased by a machete-wielding clown with a manic laugh - in the latest of a serious of alleged sightings.

Meanwhile, in Maidstone and Paddock Wood could also have fallen foul of the American craze sweeping Britain in which people dress as clowns and terrorise members of the public.

And police are investigating after a cyclist was allegedly chased through a uni campus by a pack of clowns.

But some are now being touted as hoaxes - leaving people unsure whether the sick incidents are even happening.

The clown craze, often referred to in the States as Killer Clown, has seen so-called pranksters don either clown masks or entire outfits and wait outside schools, hang around near homes or run down streets in an attempt to scare people.

Richard Bachman, 73, said the terrifying incident happened near Singleton Lake when he was walking his dog last night.

He said he wants to warn other people about the new distressing craze after a number of reports of similar incidents have surfaced.

But the alleged sighting comes amid several hoax sightings, with some claiming the Ashford incident is also a trick.

The name Richard Bachman is a pseudonym for horror writer Stephen King.

In the early hours of this morning a post on a Paddock Wood Facebook group suggested the craze had reached the town.

The man wrote: “Clowns have been spotted in Paddock Wood, down alleyway near John Brunt and Waitrose. Not sure if dangerous, ran off when started flashing lights at him then returned about a hour later.”

Some fellow members of the group were dubious about the alleged sighting between the pub and the supermarket in the Church Road area.

One asked: “Is this a serious post?”

But others were fuming at the idea of jokers in fancy dress trying to scare townsfolk.

Meanwhile, an unrelated Facebook post by a young mum from Maidstone revealed clowns had been spotted in the county town with alleged sightings in Tovil, Mote Park and Tonbridge Road.

After the Ashford 'sighting' Mr Bachman said: "I saw a lone clown with what appeared to be a severed head in one hand and a machete in the other.

"He laughed loudly and manically, dropped the head and ran towards me.”

Mr Bachman said he ran towards the houses at the end of the lake but a second clown jumped out from the bushes.

He added: "I ran towards the local pub where I took refuge.

"I understand these people are having fun, but I have a heart condition and a weak bladder and do not find this funny.

"It is very distressing. In my younger years I would have ran again these idiots and taught them a lesson.

"I am 73 and it’s just not cricket to bully older people like this" - Richard Bachman

"I am 73 and it’s just not cricket to bully older people like this.

"After a stiff drink to calm my nerves, I headed home and, smelling of alcohol and talking of clowns, my good lady thought I was off my rocker!

"I was in the doghouse! I wish these people would grow up."

The 'killer clown' craze is thought to have started in the US but has recently been picked up by UK pranksters.

Police have been contacted for a comment on the Ashford incident.

Have you seen any 'killer clowns' recently? What do you think of the latest craze? Join in the conversation on our Facebook page or write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk.