Hamilton police have launched a search for two men dressed as clowns, after they assaulted a 22-year-old woman early on Saturday morning.
The victim was walking home along Memorial Drive at around 3.15am, when she was attacked.
She has received moderate injuries, and was extremely frightened.
Police would like to speak to the occupants of a white van which was seen in the area at the time of the assault.
They say that despite reports circulating on social media of people of people dressed as clowns intimidating members of the public, this has been the only confirmed incident.
"The reports on social media appear to have originated in the US and Police have not been aware of evidence of this occurring in New Zealand, outside of the Hamilton assault," they said.
Police are appealing for help to identify the offenders and prevent any further such incidents.
Newshub.
