A TEENAGER is believed to be behind a mystery clown scaring children in Hampshire which has caused a storm on Twitter.

Images have gone viral showing a clown standing in one the pavement and lurking in high street shops while wearing a suit and holding a balloon.

A 15-year-old schoolboy is believed to be behind the mask, while police said they had received no criminal complaints and were not taking any action.

Several people have posted pictures and comments about the man online, as he was spotted at locations across the county over the weekend.

He had been seen entering shops and scaring staff and customer while he had also been cycling in the street.

Catriona Smitham tweeted a photo of the clown and said: “Only in Portsmouth would there be a man dressed as a clown stroking random people on the street.”

‏Meanwhile, @MeggggSheeran tweeted: “Omg there is someone in Portsmouth with a clown mask running around scaring people. Oh help me, I hope I never see him!!”

A friend has described him as harmless while Twitter user @bigfoot070188 has made light of the situation.

“I see only one solution. Batman,” they tweeted.