Schools Ban Clown Costumes After Instagram Posts Creepy Threats: 'Y'all Next'

Clown costumes have been banned this Halloween across schools in the New Haven area of Connecticut after a menacing Instagram account emerged.

The account, @newhavenclown, has posted a series of terrifying pictures along with threats in the captions appearing to target individual schools. One reads,

Then Hillhouse, Cross, Eli Whitney, Co-op, Sound.. u really think its fake, wait and see.

And another names a few other schools:

Then Hyde (Creed), New Haven Academy, HSC...

A spokesperson for the school district told the New Haven Register there is no threat to schoolchildren, but the costumes are to be banned this year as a safety measure.

Schools spokeswoman Mercy Quaye said,

Unfortunately, clown-themed posturing has been a growing trend throughout the country, particularly on social media. To ensure student safety, parents are encouraged to assist in ensuring students refrain from these costumes this season.

The school stated,

At this time there is no indication this incident poses any real or substantial threat to New Haven Public Schools or students.

It goes on to say it takes these "incidents very seriously" and the situation will be monitored over the coming weeks.

Reports of clown sightings are increasing in the lead-up to the spooky holiday.

A video emerged over the weekend showing two young guys running away from a clown in a wooded area. However, you'll be pleased to see it looks pretty damn fake, as do many of the reports:

Earlier this year, letters were sent out to residents in Greenville, South Carolina, warning them children should be kept indoors at night due to chilling reports of a clown lurking in the woods.

That letter is legit, but there are no reports of arrests in connection with this supposed sighting.

Also, don't believe the news story about a clown shot in the head in Fort Wayne, Indiana; there's no truth behind it.

Happy holidays!

Citations: New Haven Register